Kansas City's new digs, now under construction and set for a 2011 opening. It does look pretty good, eh?

View full size photo »

For you MLS freaks here’s a little something to chew on while wondering whether the new grounds in Kansas City will really be open in 2011 as planned: (Hint: few things are as boringly predictable as MLS stadiums taking longer than expected to erect and open. It happened in Dallas and New York and it’s happening right now in Philadelphia.)

Stuart Holden may not be heading to Portugal just yet. Apparently he’s still in England, still hoping something can be sorted out with Bolton. That’s from a pretty reliable source. As for an impending move to Braga and late reports that perhaps that whole thing was as made up as the unicorns and mermaids … uh, no. The possibility of a deal with Braga, the current Portuguese leader, remains quite real. Bolton does, however, appear to be the primary target. Braga = Plan B.

Meanwhile, I’m hearing the big four-player deal between Colorado and New England is still set. It’s just “delayed in committee,” as they might say in nation’s capital. Speaking of Washington, Steven “Soccer Insider” Goff was the first to the punch, reporting that

New England would offload Jeff Larentowicz and feisty midfielder Wells Thompson, while the Revs reaped goalkeeper Preston Burpo and defender Cory Gibbs. Word is to stay tuned, but that it should be finalized in short order.