14 year-old, Freddy Adu has reportedly signed a six-year deal with DC United. Since he is from nearby Potomac, MD, the native from Ghana, now a US Citizen, chose to DC United over such offers as Manchester United and Chelsea. Adu is reportedly the youngest athlete to play professional sports in over 100 years. Just in case you aren't feeling old yet, remember that Adu was born in June, 1989, and will be making several hundred thousand dollars a year!

[ November 18, 2003, 11:49 AM: Message edited by: Cattledog ]

Me, after working in the yard, I feel several hundred thousand years old, and nobody would pay me fourteen dollars to do it.

Hmm, now let me see, what was I doing at 14 (hand on chin thinking with finger tap, tap, tap, tapping on noggin)? AHA!, I was playing soccer! ...for free. frown

I was 19, attending Texas A&M, trying to quell those evil feelings about my roommate, and yes, also playing soccer (for free)!

I don't know how I feel about this yet. I think Freddy could have ended up being a much better player had he gone to Man U or Inter Milan, but I think he will do just fine in MLS.

It will be interesting to see how Ray Hudson over in DC uses him...

Freddy was on David Letterman last night and was amazingly poised and mature, especially for a 14 year old. What a nice, charismatic kid. He even did a reqally cool Stupid Human Trick!

I've got zero interest in soccer, but I wish him all the best!

Today's Washington Post reported Freddy Adu's media schedule since the signing was announced:

Wednesday
11 a.m.: MLS news conference
1.45 p.m.: Taped CNN interview
3.10 p.m.: Was interviewed on ESPN
4 p.m.: Was interviewed on MTV
4.30 p.m.: Appeared on "Late Show With David Letterman"
6.52 p.m.: Was interviewed by Channel 4's (NBC-Washington) George Michael via satellite

Thursday
"Fox and Friends" interview
CNN "American Morning" interview
CNN International morning show
ESPN2's "Cold Pizza" interview

Friday (in Los Angeles)
ESPN The Magazine photo shoot
"The Best Damn Sports Show Period" interview
"Jimmy Kimmel Live" interview

...Not bad publicity for a 14 year-old or the MLS!

DC United announced this morning that DC United's home opener against the San Jose Earthquakes is SOLD OUT! Much of this has do with the top levels of RFK Stadium being closed off and only making seats in lower bowl available. But much more of this has to do with the debut of Freddy Adu. After all, 24,603 people is pretty impressive for an MLS game! Unfortunately I already had tickets to the hockey game tomorrow.

Comcast Sportsnet is televising nine DC United games here in Philadelphia -- I assume they're picking it up from the CSN in DC -- where we don't even have an MLS team.

I don't quite get why the MLS didn't look into Philadelphia--whose Fury was actually one of the more successful franchises in the NASL. While I like the fact that MLS has taken its time expanding, the first two cities I would take are Philadelphia in the East and Salt Lake City or Seattle in the West.

They couldn't or wouldn't play in the Vet (R.I.P.) but now that the Linc is available I've read that there's been discussions on it.

I'm seeing Chelsea v. AC Milan at the Linc in August. Really looking forward to it. I for one would probably catch a couple of games a year at least if Philly had a MLS team. Looove to see Freddy Adu come to town.

...and being a DC United fan (yeah, even though I am originally from New York, I don't particularly care for the MetroStars--that is NOT New York to me), I would love to have that DC/Philadelphia rivalry. Right now, the closest rival is the MetroStars. Anyway, I have the feeling that Freddy Adu is going to fill up a lot of MLS stadiums--which would be great for American soccer and the MLS!

It was so great to see the major coverage by the media here in the Washington, DC, area of Freddy Adu's debut with DC United in their victory over San Jose yesterday. One station even said that Adu's debut was the biggest Washington, DC, sports name to cover since the arrival (and departure) of Michael Jordan with the Washington Wizards. They even covered Adu finally running out onto the field in the second half (he understandably didn't start) to a screaming RFK Stadium crowd. One station went as far as reporting the number of touches that Adu got (ten), and the positive reaction he had from his debut.

Best thing about Adu's first MLS game was that he made good plays almost without fault.

He could have pushed to impress but didn't. He could have forced a play where there was none but didn't.

The only thing I can remember that might be considered criticizable was a pass that he made that lead his teammate a little too much, assuming the guy was as fast as him maybe.

I know, Freddy didnt really do anything!!!

Do you remember the guy who had a breakaway went past the keeper, and MISSED!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?

Freddy is 14. When I was 14, I was better at the FIFA video-games than at the sport (in some ways I still am wink ) Even Eric Wynalda said he didn't do anything wrong. Maybe he will be better tonight; he seemed to learn that you have to run AROUND Jeff Agoos, not through him...

Bobby Convey should shoot himself for missing that. He did all the hard work, even getting Pat Onstad to trip, and then screwed up the finish.

On Saturday, DC United was unable to preserve the 1-0 lead that it got on an early Ronald Cerritos goal as the LA Galaxy scored with 5 minutes left in regulation. However, the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA, was sold out! Here in DC, DC United reports that sales at RFK are up 30% from last year. I wonder what player is the most responsible for this? I notice in my own office that people that didn't even know about DC United's existence before are coming up to me (I've got a DC United poster in my office) and asking me about Freddy Adu, and telling me that their kids are practically begging to be taken to a game.
DC United vs. NY/NJ MetroStars on ESPN2 on Saturday (4.00 EST)

The match Saturday vs. the Metros should be an interesting one for many reasons....

1. It's Freddy's first trip to Giants Stadium. Let's hope the Empire Supporters' Club are in prime form...from what I've read, Freddy had better be ready (wow three rhymes) for some verbal abuse.

2. It's the first match between the guys who made the Chicago Fire successful. Bob Bradley, now coach of the Metros, and Peter Nowak, now coach of DC United, were both crucial in turning the expansion Fire into MLS Cup champs in 1998.

3. It looks like this might be the game Freddy starts. Peter Nowak has been very impressed with him, and as Thomas Roengen (sp?) aptly said, there will be a point when he can't keep Freddy from starting anymore; he will just be that good.

4. It's the Metros vs. DC United. It's the biggest rivalry in MLS.

By the way, the Metros are going to show DC what it's like to lose. I'm hoping someone decks Jaime Moreno (OUTSIDE THE PENALTY BOX)...

I'm waaaaaaay too chatty when it comes to soccer...

[ April 14, 2004, 09:14 AM: Message edited by: metromathis13 ]

That was definitely one of the GREATEST EVER MLS regular season games. The Freddy media mobile heads to Giants Stadium. A nice goal for DC from Ben Olsen. A nice finish by Metro forward Fabian Taylor. A beautiful diving header by Metro forward John Wolyniec. Another nice finish by Fabian Taylor. And last, but you can bet definitely not least, Freddy Adu scores his first professional goal.

Soccer is definitely a game of two halves. DC owned the Metros in the first half, the Metros owned DC in the second half.

I'm so glad that I taped this game.

Congratulations to Freddy Adu on his first MLS goal.

I watched the replay of Freddy's goal on the MLS site and am impressed with his composure as usual - very careful not to go offsides, instintively saw the pursuit from his right while watching the pass coming from the left and sliding in beautifully to beat the goalie (a deft move so smooth it would be difficult to appreciate without slo-mo) then bouncing up to retreat as though it was just another day on the job - no celebration until a teammate came to congratulate him.

His unselfishness is what I like most about the kid. Looking forward to seeing him play again.

Oh, and congrats to your Metros for their win, metromathis. Unfortunately this game will be remembered more for Adu's goal.

I hate to criticize someone congratulating my Metros, but in all actuality, I don't think Freddy played all that well.

On the goal, Josh Gros should have never been able to serve the ball into the box. Three defenders were horrid on that play: Bonseu fell over, Parke was non-existant, and Leitch was beaten. As for the finish, it was OK. I think Freddy was smart for not celebrating...the Empire Supporters' Club would probably go nuts.

Outside the goal, I don't think Freddy played as well as he did last week. He had a chance in the corner, with Convey I believe, where he overhit the ball, and he was pretty much non-existant other than the goal, that play, and his little dance with Bonseu. I was definitely more impressed with his play vs. LA last week.

My prediction is that Freddy starts one of the next two matches.

Overall, the sad news is that you are right sportinlife. The match will be remembered more for Freddy's goal than for the Metros' win.

I swear you guys are probably wondering when I'm going to shut up...

[ April 17, 2004, 07:08 PM: Message edited by: metromathis13 ]

I hope never. Nice to have someone on the board who really cares about this sport. Especially the US version which few seem to be interested in. Moi included normally.

You're right about the Met defenders literally falling down on the job, but I've seen more experienced players blow give-away opportunities even easier than that on many occassions.

Players have a tendency to have a mental lapse when opportunity drops into their laps. Adu's reflexes remind me of Ronaldo, or maybe even the great Pele who I have never had the chance to watch through an entire game but have marvelled at his highlights. The kid could become pretty amazing.

I suppose I have a natural bias for all things DC having gone to college in the area and learning to like the preppy, policy-wonk atmosphere there. With the height limit on buildings the whole town has a lower skyline than some suburbs, and the 'burbs are a natural habitat for soccer. BTW Adu is the quintessential soccer mom's dream if you've ever heard him talk. Staying humble despite the hype.

[ April 18, 2004, 05:55 AM: Message edited by: sportinlife ]

I'm late to the discussion, but can someone catch me up to speed on Freddy's age. I've met folks who swear up and down and sideways that he's not/can't be 14 y.o. Is this just disbelief at his physical stature and prowess, or is there something to the "issue" of his age? Just askin' ...

It's both.

First, Freddy does not look or act like a 14 year old. His body is more developed than any 14 year olds I know. Even Landon Donovan, another great US soccer player, has said that Freddy is more mature than some people twice his age.

Secondly, there truly might be something about his age. In certain areas of the world, especially parts of Asia and Africa, birth certificates are either not issued or lost. For all that anyone knows, Freddy's birth certificate may be false...he may really be 17 or 18.

The second theory has been somewhat disproven by Sports Illustrated. Grant Wahl conducted a search in both the US and Ghana and could find no evidence saying that Freddy is not 14.

Freddy is still a pretty gosh-darn good soccer player, no matter if he's 14 or 18.

Thanks metro!

Ghana is no backwater, stable and literacy is high.

I do not see any need to doubt records from this country

E

I don't think I really made that clear. I personally have no doubt that Freddy is 14. I agree that there is no reason to doubt records from Ghana.

Freddy made his first start...and DC ties 1-1 with San Jose

Overall, I thought he played fairly well. He continued to make good decisions, and he started to actually take players on. Peter Nowak needs to tell his players to go AROUND San Jose, not try and go through them. The Quakes did an excellent job of frustrating DC by just bringing 5-6 players back behind the ball. DC finally had a decent second half, scoring the equilizer through Dema Kovalenko.

I only caught the DC-SJ game in the 75th minute. Adu did look good. He can't run into guys twice his size though and expect to last long. I do think he was just trying to hold himself up by grabbing the Quake player on that foul. But my favorite shot of the game was Brian Ching on the sidelines pouring water over his hair. He certainly has benifited from that therapy at home on the beach in Hawaii after his season ending injury last year. Surfer-boy Ching toughs it out, what a soldier :cool:

[ May 01, 2004, 06:01 PM: Message edited by: sportinlife ]

Well fortunately, I can think about Freddy startiing now more than the Metros absolutely DISGUSTING performance tonight in Chicago. Fabian Taylor had several chances he should have put away, and the Metros' defense was horrible on all three goals they gave up.

I personally think Freddy should start next week again- Ronald Cerritos didn't play today, and Alecko Eskandarian had one good game (the season opener) and has played poorly since.

DC is very unlucky to walk away with just a draw. They led for almost the entire game, and then in the last minute, they give up a PK to Ross Paule.

The real match to see was the Metros-San Jose Quakes match. Each team scored 5 goals, including a PK for each. A very, very fun match to watch.

Freddy Adu scored his second goal of the season. But that was about the only good thing that occurred for DC United as they gave up 4 relatively early goals to Los Angeles last night. DC needs some major work on defense. I miss you, Jeff Agoos!

That was a BOMB from Freddy. That goal reminded me of some of the goals he scored at the youth national team levels. Great goal for Freddy.

British football clubs are queing up to sign the youngster too. I hope that such an extremely young man is not hurt playing with such older fellows.

So working for MLS I met Mr. Adu the other night. What a great kid for a 14 year old he has a really level head!
Very smart and worldy carries himself as an adult...And I must admit that I have his Autograph, the fact the a 14 year old gives autographs...Wow!

WHOA....You work for MLS?!?! That's awesome...

Anyway, let me just put it this way. Freddy is EXTREMELY mature for a 14-year old. He acts more mature than I DO...and I've got almost 2 and a half years on him.

Keep that autograph ColoradoSprtsnut- you never know how much that may be worth 15-20 years from now...