MLS Boss: Stadium situation in D.C. is one of league's 'biggest issues'

By Chris Hummer

(Philadelphia, PA) - Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber says the lack of stadium progress in Washington, DC is a major problem, that it\'s setting back the sport of soccer in the United States.

Garber told Potomac Soccer Wire immediately after overseeing the first round of the league\'s 2010 SuperDraft, "I think it\'s one of the biggest issues this league faces. You\'ve got a storied franchise. You\'ve got a very strong ownership group. You\'ve got a team President that\'s been involved since before the league was founded, and a team that\'s won championships, and we\'re playing in an antiquated stadium that\'s not good enough for the baseball team, but it\'s gotta be good for the soccer team? I think it\'s very frustrating and I think it\'s setting back the sport, not only in the Mid Atlantic states and the District, I think it\'s setting back soccer in America and we need to get something done there."

One of the league\'s biggest issues? Setting back soccer in America? Pretty strong words for a league that is staring a potential labor impasse in the face. It\'s good news for D.C. United fans that Garber takes the situation so seriously, but the lack of any progress can\'t be getting any easier to take.

"I sympathize with their frustration," Garber added when asked if he thought the fans in Washington had become a little bit cynical.

Will the new stadiums in Philadelphia and New York inspire city officials in the District, Maryland, or Northern Virginia to move some mountains and get a deal done before RFK crumbles before our eyes. Last week\'s introduction of new head coach Curt Onalfo was done in a freezing cold "lounge" because the heating system had broken. Brrrr.

What do you think about Garber\'s comments? Will they help? Will D.C. announce plans anytime soon?