D.C. United has not abandoned hope of retaining Argentine midfielder Yamil Asad, a starter much of last year who famously scored the first goal in Audi Field history. But with training camp a week away and the opener on the horizon, United has begun planning to go forward without him.
The situation is unique to soccer. Asad does not belong to United. Rather, he was loaned to the MLS team last season by Argentine club Velez Sarsfield.
The arrangement included an option for United to acquire him outright this winter, but with the sides unable to strike a deal, Asad has rejoined his parent team for workouts before the Superliga resumes in two weeks.