Things went from bad to worse for DC United today, as the Prince George's County Council voted 8-0 not to pursue the team's proposed stadium plan.

For one of Major League Soccer's flagship franchises to be staring down the barrel at homelessness (let's be clear; RFK is no "home") is a horrible nightmare. The league doesn't need this now, not with all of the good feelings that have come out of the Northwest in recent weeks. Even then, you know that the stadium issues in both Houston and DC were bringing me down, and this is just another shot to the old enthusiasm meter.

All the depressing thoughts, after the jump.

I haven't checked up on Houston in recent days, but I get the sense that they'll eventually find a way to get things done. Call it a Code Yellow (of DEFCON 3 if you prefer).

DC on the other hand, and maybe it's because I'm closer to the situation here, doesn't have that same air of hopeful optimism; PG County's rejection of the plan, with the 8-0 vote being a clear indication that there's no one backing the thing, drive confidence to an all time low. Call it Code Red, or DEFCON 1.

And I'm not kidding about this. RFK Stadium is a joke; and as great an environment as the place has on match day, it remains a massive albatross around the team's neck.

I hate to say it, but I truly don't see another option. The team could try another locality (though I'm fairly certain that none of the counties in the immediate area would be keen on the idea), or attempt to bargain their way into a deal with a nearby university, but neither has much of a chance for success, and the latter is clearly not a long term solution.

DC United, as an institution of the city (and it is, no matter what anyone says), has taken a gut shot. The death may be slow and painful, but know that it is inevitable. Staying on life support in a rickety building with no amenities and a financially crippling lease will only make the day that the team leaves that much harder.

I don't know where the team will end up, though Goff makes mention of St. Louis. I guess that could eventually be a good thing for the league, though thousands of soccer fans from the DC Metro will be left in the lurch. Moving a team away from the East Coast and the derby atmosphere that the I-95 corridor can provide (especially with Philly coming in next year, and New York opening up their new facility) can never, and will never, be something that MLS can spin as a positive.

Expect things to move quickly, though you may not hear much from team ownership. More attempts will be made with revised plans in PG County, and those in charge at the club will quietly inquire with other local governments around the area, though neither will be successful in the end. Soon, cities with MLS dreams will be calling, and it won't be long before something will be in the works.

The bottom line? DC United cannot be expected to stay at RFK.

I'm struggling to type this sentence, but I have to agree with Goff. Goodbye DC United.