Where Marketing and Reality Separate

[Z010 Union]

I have read the opinions of fans of teams other than DC, some of whom believe that Nowak did the wrong thing by not starting Adu. I am entertained by this viewpoint. Sure a lot of people who got swept up by the media-fueled Freddymania were disappointed not to see him starting, but instead what they got to see were 3 goals in a half, some strong physical play, a congested midfield shutting down the other poster boy in the game, and a full bottom bowl at RFK.

That Freddy got to play at all is a testament to the power of popularity. Alecko Eskandarian played his best hour ever for DC and was helping them choke off the game, if anyone other than Freddy was the next option off the bench, Nowak doesn't make that sub.

Hopefully fans that were disbelievers in MLS saw a good enough opening game to want more. Moreno's double meg was as impressive as any Allen Iverson ankle breaker and Alecko's finish was special. For people who tuned in expecting to see Freddy dominate, give him time, for those who tuned in to see all the buzz, I hope the stellar performance by the 26 players other than Freddy showed how good the game is here.

[bettendor]

I agree with you there. I watched some of the game and while it didn't appear that Freddy was too overmatched, he is still only 14 years old and needs plenty of time to adjust to playing with the big boys. It doesn't matter how mature he is. Nowak basically put him in the game as a gesture to the fans, when D.C. already had the lead. If the game had been tied at that point or D.C. had been losing, there would be no Adu to talk about. I'd say just give the kid some time. His time will come.

Either way, it was a pretty good game to watch regardless of whether he was in there or no.

[Chicago1871]

If there's any guy out there who's the perfect mentor for Adu, it's Nowak. Chicago fans will attest to the amazing job he did as a player and a 'coach' here in Chicago. His worth ethic is legendary, and his passion inspires everyone on the field with him. Unfortunately, he and Freddy will not be on the field together, but something tells me that it won't matter.

Nowak did the right thing by not starting Freddy. He actually put him in a little earlier than I would have thought. Let's be honest though, the crowd was there to see him play, and it's not business saavy to not give the paying masses what they want. I think Nowak will set a good pace to develop Adu's skills. He won't drop him into the fire, but he won't baby him either.

[the101er]

I just wouldn't want to be the 30+ defender who comes in hard and breaks the poor kids leg.

The other thing that bothers me is that Don Garber has always said that he wouldn't use gimmicks to sell the league. Well, short of the White Sox 4' tall midget, I would say a 14-year-old kid playing in the pros is about as gimmicky as it gets.

[Chicago1871]

I just wouldn't want to be the 30+ defender who comes in hard and breaks the poor kids leg.

The other thing that bothers me is that Don Garber has always said that he wouldn't use gimmicks to sell the league. Well, short of the White Sox 4' tall midget, I would say a 14-year-old kid playing in the pros is about as gimmicky as it gets.
Except, by many accounts, the kid can play...and play well. It's not as much a gimmick as it is a promotional tool.

[Z010 Union]

I just wouldn't want to be the 30+ defender who comes in hard and breaks the poor kids leg.

The other thing that bothers me is that Don Garber has always said that he wouldn't use gimmicks to sell the league. Well, short of the White Sox 4' tall midget, I would say a 14-year-old kid playing in the pros is about as gimmicky as it gets.

I thought it was the St. Louis Browns and Eddie Gaedel who was 3 7/8 and that was also his number. IIRC, he walked on 4 straight pitches.

I don't think that Adu is Gaedel. Adu is not a gimmick, countless videos don't lie. A gimmick for the game would be Mia playing for a team. Or a midget. Or Pele (see Gordie Howe - 6 decades of Hockey). He is simply not ready, by the coach's estimation, and by knowledgeable soccer fans' acknowledgement, to start in the league. He may be soon, but that is for Piotr to decide.