Valley Star

Issue date: 4/14/04 Section: Gallery

Media Credit: Jorge Gallegos LAST TALK - Freddy Adu gets final instructions from D.C. United assistant coach Tom Soehn, right, before coming into the game against the Los Angeles Galaxy Saturday.

After being scouted by great international teams such as the Manchester United, Inter Milan, Barcelona, Chelsea, PSV Eindhoven and Real Madrid, 14-year-old Freddy Adu chose to sign with Major League Soccer's D.C. United. In doing so, a revitalized buzz about American soccer has returned to the sport.

A native of Ghana, Adu became the youngest athlete to play with a professional American team since 14-year-old Fred Chapman started for Philadelphia in Major League Baseball's American Association in 1887. Despite doubts from fans and critics alike, Adu has drawn sellout crowds in his first two professional games (24,603 in Washington April 3 and 27,000 in Carson Saturday).

With all the attention Adu has brought to his team and the sport, veterans of the sport are taking notice.

"He's obviously a talented player," said Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Cobi Jones. "He's got a lot of skills. I still think he's got a long way to go to step up to the professional level."

"Too often, promising youth players are placed on a pedestal, and that's a mistake," said U.S. national team head coach Bruce Arena. "Freddy is without a doubt the most talented kid we've ever seen at that age."

The league has predicted a season of sold out games wherever Adu goes. There was a 1,848 fan increase at the Home Depot Center in Carson from the Galaxy's season opener to the second game when Adu and the United came to town. Adu has become an instant fan favorite.

Media Credit: Jorge Gallegos STEPPING OVER - D.C. United forward Freddy Adu pulls back the ball by stepping over it as he tries to outplay Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Cobi Jones

Media Credit: Jorge Gallegos SPEEDY ADU - United rookie sensation Freddy Adu, in his second professional game, takes on Los Angeles Galaxy defender Chris Albright during a game played April 10 at the at the Home Depot Center in Carson.

Media Credit: Jorge Gallegos L.A. DEBUT - Rookie sensation Freddy Adu waits on the sideline while assistant referee Chris Strickland announces his entry at the beginning of the second half.

Media Credit: Jorge Gallegos

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