The New England Revolution is one of the few MLS clubs without either a designated player or a soccer-specific stadium. The slow movement on both fronts doesn’t stem from a lack of effort or desire on the team’s part, Revolution investor/operator Jonathan Kraft.

Team executives have explored stadium options, but the economic downturn has made the search for the right urban location and best public-private partnership more difficult. So it benefits the team financially by playing in Kraft-owned Gillette Stadium.

“We’re not on any forced or artificial timeline,” Kraft said. “It works very well here. When, and if, we ever go to a soccer-specific stadium, it will be because it is the perfect solution.” Kraft seeks a similar fit regarding a potential designated player, as he weighs all factors.

The Revs have yet to win the title, but coach Steve Nicol has taken the Revs to the playoffs for eight consecutive seasons by relying on a balanced squad, a goal that often isn’t achievable with the salary cap hit incurred by carrying a high-priced DP, writes Kyle McCarthy. “We would love to find a designated player to bring in that fits our criteria, but it’s going to have to be someone who is or has been a world-class player and who also can move the needle in other ways for the league,” Kraft said.