OUTGOING: Jaime Moreno and Christian Gomez from DC United to club in Qatar

MLSR Has learned from multiple reliable sources that DC United's and 2006 MLS MVP, Christian Gomez and MLS's all time leading goal-scorer, Jaime Moreno have been offered substantial contracts by a club in the Persian gulf nation of Qatar.


Such a transfer would likely happen during the January transfer window Sources say it is highly lightly that one or both will not be back for next season as they are expected to sign at their new club. This is not totally unexpected and DC United's scouting network has been working overtime over the summer looking at talent not only from South America but Africa,Asia and Eastern Europe to replays the two DC veteran legends.

Additionally, a move would give DC United the cap space and SI spots to bring in more untapped Brazilians like Fred and 2007 Golden Boot winner, Emilio or perhaps turn their eyes back to Argentina where both veterans like Juan Sebatian Veron and Juan Roman Riqueleme (both targets of DC United in the past)sit, perhaps ready for a northern adventure.

STADIUMS: DC Stadium still alive and kicking

A DC based source which is known to us and highly regarded informs us that much of what has been written about the collapse of the Poplar Point stadium deal has been "smoke in mirrors". Basically this source is stating that the stadium at Poplar Point will be built and is going forward but according to a source within DC Mayor Fenty's office, the appearance of an open process is more important than the speed of a decision on going forward. The delay is basically political cover for the mayor when he inevitably adopts the DC United Holdings development plan for Poplar Point. In recent weeks the pressure has been on the mayors office from residents in Ward 8, the area near where the development is to be built, and several DC city council members to make good on promises made to the area. Our source left us with the following tidbit, "Don't be surprised if something is announced at RFK next month in front of the home fans and the whole nation."

A DC Stadium announcement at MLS Cup? Could be.

EXPANSION: Seattle told "Not so fast" by MLS.

In MLS expansion news a Seattle-based source writes us this morning with the news that Seattle FC's ownership group has been asked to refrain from any further pre-announcement publicity regarding Seattle MLS expansion. Apparently, league officials are concerned enough with the club permanently playing at Qwest Field that they have drawn up a legal framework (and paperwork) to insure that the club follows the leagues "Game First" initiatives to the letter from before a ball is ever kicked in anger or a PA announcer as DJ hitting the play button on that "We Will Rock You" CD during the run of play. One of the criticisms of Qwest Field and the Sounders ownership group in particular has been the game day experience/atmosphere and way the team has been marketed. If this source is to be believed then MLS is very serious in a "post Toronto FC world", of presenting and promoting a serious soccer atmosphere in its expansion cities.

SPONSORS: DC United shirt sponsor done deal

A source known to MLSR this morning is reporting that the deal we hinted at is now a done deal. The source however was very tight lipped regarding which company or even which type of company it was. He said, "I've told you enough and the rest will leak out in the days/weeks ahead anyway. When Adidas templates for the 2008 leak out it will be clear that space has been cleared for a DC United sponsor."

Do with that what you will.

INCOMING: Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink to Seattle FC?

According to a somewhat reliable source known to a MLSR contributor in Seattle. The Seattle MLS club appears to be farther along than any of us expected. If this source is to be believed then according to him and someone close to Paul Allen, on a trip back from northern California recentl said that the ownership group behind Seattle's bid to join MLS in 2008 or 2009 is looking into the possibility of filling their Designated Player spot b bringing in the Dutch striker who currently plays for Cardiff City in Wales. Would Hasselbainkfill the very large Qwest Field? Who knows? What do you think? MLSR will continue to work this source for more info.

MLS Single Table in '08

Our source thinks so....

According to a trusted source deep within MLS, the league will likely move to a single table next season. This however does not mean that the playoffs will go away but it is a step that many in soccer circles have wanted for years. It should be noted that USL-1 and USL-2 have a single table system with playoffs as does the Australian A-League.

EXPANSION UPDATE: Seattle Uniform mockups leaked

A Seattle design firm that was NOT chosen as Seattle MLS's designer has leaked what are purported to be mockups of the design for the Seattle MLS club's kits. This lends some credence to the rumor that Seattle may begin play in 2008 as uniform design has entered a final stage. Working names for the Seattle club apparently are: "FC Seattle Sounders 1974", "Emerald City FC" and "Seattle FC". Thanks to LuminousCreative.com (Everett) for sending these designs our way.

There was a brief email exchange between LuminousCreative and Seattle MLS (Adrian Hanauer), but it now appears Seattle MLS have chosen a different firm, so Joel feels comfortable letting the public see his work.

EXPANSION: UPDATE: Seattle to MLS in '08 a possibility.

According to a Seattle based source, new rumors suggest that Seattle MLS are on a pace behind the scenes to be ready for a 2008 debut, rather than 2009. Adding to the speculation is the Seattle Sounders lack of season ticket information for 2008, and their ticket offices' casual queries to fans about whether they'd purchase MLS season tickets 'when the time comes.'

Further, Sounders current business people have been making the rounds with current sponsors about renewing for 2008. One sponsor reported that "it certainly sounds like they are talking about MLS next year."

Another source says that the Seattle ownership groups wants a "full rollout" complete with shirt sponsor and local advertising and this may be a reason they hold off until 2009. That said the ownership group and the league have supposedly tasked Adidas to come up with a kit and the color will be green. If kits are ready by Spring MLSR can see no reason why Seattle could not begin play in MLS next year at Qwest.

SPONSORS: Columbus to become next club to get shirt sponsor.

MLSR has learned from a trusted source that the Columbus Crew will most likely announce a jeresy sponsor on Wednesday or Thursday of this week. Source claims that it is a local and regional business looking to grow and reach a wider audience.