United Seeks Stadium Solution

Garber wouldn't speculate on whether United would consider moving to another stadium temporarily -- such as Byrd Stadium in College Park, FedEx Field in Landover or Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis -- if a baseball team ends up here.

"A lot of discussions still need to happen and a lot of things need to fall into place before we go ahead and address those things," he said.

On other topics, Garber said:

• MLS has no plans to support a women's league following the demise of the WUSA last fall.

• In addition to expansion clubs in Salt Lake City and Los Angeles, which will begin play next season, the league hopes to add two more teams soon. However, it might not happen in time for the 2006 season. He named Seattle, Houston, San Antonio, Cleveland and Rochester, N.Y., as top candidates but also said Atlanta and Philadelphia are in the mix.

• MLS teams will have a reserve league system in place next year, following the model of soccer clubs around the world, which presumably will allow rosters to be expanded.

• Current teams will be allowed to protect 12 of 18 veteran players during the expansion draft next offseason and won't lose more than three players. (All young players are exempt from the draft.)

• Despite the fact that 32 percent of games have ended in ties this year, there are no plans to reinstate overtime or shootouts.

MLS Notes: Easton, Md., native Alexander Yi, one of U.S. soccer's top young defenders, is hoping to sign with MLS after playing two seasons in Belgium.

He reportedly would prefer to play for D.C. United, but club officials said that if the 22-year-old from McDonogh High School and UCLA signs with the league, he would likely be allocated via a weighted lottery. . . .

Former United coach Thomas Rongen, who oversees the U.S. under-20 program, has emerged as one of several candidates to coach the expansion Salt Lake City club. Former U.S. World Cup coach Steve Sampson, a Utah native, is also believed to be under strong consideration. . . .

As part of this weekend's All-Star Game festivities, several players will participate in a youth soccer tour, which will make stops this afternoon at Gunston Community Center in Arlington, Jelleff Boys and Girls Club in Georgetown and the RFK auxiliary fields.