Yes, you heard it here first — the District’s pro soccer team might be moving out to Loudoun County. Or Baltimore. Anywhere but here.

Why? The stadium, of course. D.C. United had long ago requested the rights to build a stadium at Poplar Point, an unused stretch of federal land along the Anacostia River. But, unlike the publicly financed $611-million baseball stadium it would sit across from, D.C. United owner Victor A. MacFarlane promised to build the stadium himself, to the tune of $150 million. All he wanted in return was the rights to develop the surrounding land and $200 million in city subsidies including roads and tax incentives. That deal fell apart late last week, when Mayor Adrian Fenty opted to open the land’s development to competitive bidding.

Of course, as the Post reports today, Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) and a number of neighborhood activists are none-too-happy with Fenty’s decision. To them, Fenty’s slight amounted to turning his back on residents east of the river and a development project that would greatly benefit their neighborhoods. Fenty has stated that a new development proposal will likely be announced by the end of the year.

In terms of stadium debates, MacFarlane seemed to have won. His offer to pay for the stadium could not have gone unnoticed, especially after the fierce debate over the financing of the baseball stadium. But, Fenty was right to have raised concerns over whether affordable housing would be part of MacFarlane’s plans. Whether or not Fenty voiced these concerns and tried to work them into MacFarlane’s original plan is unknown, but we hope he at least tried. We’re still hopeful that a compromise can be met.

What remains to be seen is whether or not MacFarlane decides to move the team outside of the District. We hope not. Because L.C. United just doesn’t sound right.