Once billed as the greatest soccer talent that the United States had ever produced, Freddy Adu's career has been an overwhelming disappointment so far.
At the tender age of 14, he signed a contract with D.C. United of the MLS in 2003, sparking a wave of interest in the sport here in the United States as it seemed a teenage phenom was going to catapault U.S. Soccer into a new level of popularity and success.
However, in the 8 years following that historic signing (youngest ever to sign a pro contract in this country), Adu's career has had its share of ups and downs (mostly downs). Bouncing around from one club to another (DC United to Salt Lake to several European clubs), Adu hasn't played for one squad longer than two seasons since his DC United days.
In a time when many other young American players have found success in Europe, Adu's current club is Caykur Rizespor, a second division Turkish team. Frequently loaned out to other squads by Benefica (the Portugese Superliga team that owns his contract), Adu has struggled with showing the maturity and work ethic needed to advance his situation.
Then came his surprising selection to the US Gold Cup team, a decision that was criticized by many. However, Adu rewarded his coach's faith with solid play and a nice pass that set up America's lone score in the semi-final win against Panama. After the game, his teammates and coaches praised Adu for his work so far on the team, and Adu now sounds in interviews like a young player who finally gets it.
Will this be the one shining moment for Adu, who will return to his Turkish team after the tournament ends? Or, rather, will his experience on this Gold Cup team trigger a new, mature work ethic that will push him towards greater heights?
I'm rooting for the kid. After all, he only just turned 22. His best soccer years should be ahead of him.
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