2004 - Freddy Adu 1st goal

2011.08.12...It was announced today that Freddy Adu would be coming back to the MLS and the Philadelphia Union...Once hailed as the boy who would be king, Freddy Adu has wandered the European futbol wasteland traveling from Portugal where he played for Benefica, in what appeared to be the acceptance of the American soccer player, to being loaned out to AS Monaco (France), Belenenses (Portugal), Aris (Greece), Caykur Rizespor (Turkey)....Freddy Adu is coming home...

Adu started his storied career with DC United (2004-2006) before moving on to Real Salt Lake (2007). Played for the United States National Teams (U17, U20, U23 and Men's National)...

We all got caught up in what Adu represented. An American player (of Gahnaian descent) who at age 14, would compete in the MLS and show the world that we too could produce world-class players...Adu even had the endorsement of Pele...

After a tough road, Adu comes to Philadelphia with renewed energy and to demonstrate that he is still capable of playing the game at a professional level, at the tender age of 22, an age when many players across the world are still hoping to get their chance...I often wondered if we did Adu a disservice by expecting too much of a young boy, to carry the weight of American soccer on his shoulders...When Adu left for Europe the weight was shifted to Jozy Altidore, and will be shifted to another young player, and another...we all get caught up in the dream, because it is fun to dream, as if we are a part of their lives and careers...

Good Luck Freddy, welcome back...

2004.04.17 MetroStars v DC United, Giants Stadium

14 year-old Freddy Adu scored his first career MLS goal, making him the youngest player to score in an MLS game by almost 2-full years...Adu was born in Ghana and came to the United States at age 8. At age 14 he became one of the youngest players to sign a professional contract in the US, becoming the youngest player to appear in the MLS, April 3, 2004 when DC United faced the San Jose Earthquakes. Adu stayed with DC United until 2006, when he was traded to Real Salt Lake for the 2007 season. Adu signed with Benfica, making his debut with the team in a UEFA Champions League qualifying match.

Adu has been a member of the US National Team since 2006...

The MetroStars would win the game 3-2 behind 2 goals by Fabian Taylor, as the MetroStars would go on to score 3 goals within a 13 minute time period in the second half.