Adu with U-20s

[John L]

How long before and which games are left before Adu joins the U-20s? - How long and which games will he miss?

Any Sr USMNT commitments from other DCU players?

[ursula]

On the TV of the Crew game, Dave Johnson said that Adu will be with DCU for two more games before going to the pre-tournament camp. I didn't quite follow all that was said- it seemed as if there might be an opportunity for United to get him back for a game before the actual tournament. No doubt other folks will be able to answer this better than I.

[Hunter R]

If what Johnson said is true (sounds like he will be at the NE and KC games) then Freddy may miss the following games (at least):

May 28 v Dallas (Eddie Johnson may not be here either -- same day as the US v England friendly)

June 4 @ San Jose

June 12 @ Metrostars

June 15 v Chicago

June 18 v NE

The World Youth Championships begin June 11 for the US with a game versus Argentina and the first round concludes on June 18 (US also plays against Germany and Egypt in the first round).

[ursula]

So the possible games that Fred might miss if the USA advances:

June 29 @ Chicago- This is one day after the semis.

July 2 @ C-bus.- This is the day of the finals.


Fortunate that DCU has no games between the 18th and 29th.

[spidergoose]

How long before and which games are left before Adu joins the U-20s? - How long and which games will he miss?

Any Sr USMNT commitments from other DCU players?

I think I read somewhere that Simms is at least being called into camp for the England game. Wouldn't surprise me to see him get time in the Gold Cup either.

[weasel]

Am I the only one that would rather have Adu with DCU instead of missing 5-7 MLS games for a youth tournament?

I think it's getting to the point where the professional players should pass on these youth tournaments, assuming they have a shot at playing MLS games. It opens up spaces for others, and the point of the youth system is to help prepare our best players for professional leagues. Personally, I don't care how we do at the youth levels anymore (though I used to). Of course, this has to be balanced with the players interest, but I do wonder if Adu wants to give up a possible starting spot with DCU for the U-20s.

[ignatz]

Am I the only one that would rather have Adu with DCU instead of missing 5-7 MLS games for a youth tournament?

I think it's getting to the point where the professional players should pass on these youth tournaments, assuming they have a shot at playing MLS games. It opens up spaces for others, and the point of the youth system is to help prepare our best players for professional leagues. Personally, I don't care how we do at the youth levels anymore (though I used to). Of course, this has to be balanced with the players interest, but I do wonder if Adu wants to give up a possible starting spot with DCU for the U-20s.

I tend to agree, although I wonder if it wouldn't help acceptance of the game in this country if the U-20 team did well. That would depend also on TV coverage, and, while I haven't checked, I doubt if there is much if any.

[DC_Gunner]

Am I the only one that would rather have Adu with DCU instead of missing 5-7 MLS games for a youth tournament?

I think it's getting to the point where the professional players should pass on these youth tournaments, assuming they have a shot at playing MLS games. It opens up spaces for others, and the point of the youth system is to help prepare our best players for professional leagues. Personally, I don't care how we do at the youth levels anymore (though I used to). Of course, this has to be balanced with the players interest, but I do wonder if Adu wants to give up a possible starting spot with DCU for the U-20s.

I'm actually really interested to see how he performs at u-20 level, which will be very different from the U-17s. The game will be different than the MLS, but not necessrily worse for his his development. He will be playing gainst more talented players with the U-20s than he regularily faces in the MLS. I'm curious to see how he plays against the other bright lights of his generation. I mean, Ryan Babel, for example would likely destroy any MLS defence. Lionel Messi (Barca's "jewel" according to Laporta) will be lining up for Argentina. Hopefully Freddy can help the US get out of their group of death and raise his profile on the world stage.

[beltwayrob]

While from a club perspective I have to say I hate to see him go, I think its got broader implications for US Soccer and his development and exposure of MLS. We're talking about representing our country here folks. So what if its U-17, U-20 or the senior squad, not to mention he will probably see more playing time on the U-20 team and be playing against a pretty high level of competition. MLS's season is long and Freddy will be back, DCU has the depth to cover this especially with Dema now back, Ben has found his groove, Simms is stepping up, and Gros is on fire.

As for other call-ups Simms was the only one invited to camp IIRC.

[fatbastard]

I think how Adu performs for the U20's in this tournament will have a profound effect on the rest of his year for DC, and maybe even his career. This is his chance to lead a USA team (or contribute as one of its leaders), to see who he'll have to be better than in 2010 :) He'll be the focal point for the other teams, and he needs to be able to handle that. He isn't for MLS teams right now (nor should he be), but that may change soon if he keeps developing.
If he steps it up (like this past Saturday) and plays well, even just getting the US out of that group of death, he comes back to us even more confident in his abilities, even more dedicated to proving in practice that he can be a starter.
Sure won't hurt if the U20 coaches all praise him to Bruce, either.
I can't wait to watch the games.

[pwip]

This will be most important stretch of soccer for a lot of people. If Adu haa an incrediable run at the U20 tournament, He may get a look in the Gold Cup with the other WC hopefuls. We'll see if Arena has Adu in his cards.

[Hunter R]

We'll see if Arena has Adu in his cards.

Or to see if Freddy can step up and make himself heard

[mikeb3142]

Adu should absolutely go and play in this tournament. For several reasons:

From freddy's perspective:

1) He needs to be playing against the world's top young players from a development standpoint. The pace of these games will be much different from MLS games and the skill set in any international game is vastly different from that in any league game. (Could be MLS, England, Spain, whatever...playing internationally is just different) Moreover, playing teams from Argentina, spain, african nations, etc. will force him to adapt his play to their vastly different styles. This is important from a maturity standpoint and something that US teams have been lacking from their top players until recently.

2) A solid performance would help increase both his and DCU's international exposure. That is good for Freddy, DCU, MLS, and US Soccer as a whole.

From US Soccer's perspective:

3) We just need to put the best 11 eligible players we have out on the field. It's hard to argue that Freddy isnt one of them. US soccer needs to go to these tournaments trying to win and you don't do that by leaving your best players at home to play domestically.

[John L]

So the possible games that Fred might miss if the USA advances:

June 29 @ Chicago- This is one day after the semis.

July 2 @ C-bus.- This is the day of the finals.


US U20's group games are on June 11, 14 & 18 (Sat-Tues-Sat)

With 6 groups of 4 teams and 16 advancing, this means that 4 best 3rd place finishers also advance - With a Win, a Loss and a Tie, the US (and Freddy) could still advance to the Round of 16 - Games are June 21 & 22 (Tues & Wed) - QuFinals are June 24 & 25 (Thu & Fri) - Semis are on June 28 (Tues) and the Final on July 02 (Sat)

At the very least, they need to tie either Argentina or Germany (DO-ABLE) and beat Egypt (DO-ABLE) - Fortunately they play Germany the 2nd game - Germany is always extremely well-prepared for their FIRST game and almost always win - After that, Germany seems to play at the level they need to advance

YES - This will be extremely beneficial for any young player (barring injury) - While it may hurt DCU a bit for Freddy to be gone this long (3 to 5 weeks), our Midfield & Attack is getting deeper - And when he returns, he'll be that much more mature and will beneficial in the long run - And the same holds true for all other players returning to their MLS clubs - Good for DCU and good for the whole league

The only down-side to these international youth games is the risk of injury - Many young players from other countries make up for lack of strength in their tackles with brutality - Most games I saw last year were horribly brutal and thug-like - Hopefully on the FIFA stage in Hollad this won't be tolerated

[sch2383]

He did well at the last u20 WC, once he got playing time. Of course he was added right before the team left for the Gulf and wasn't that familiar with his teammates. Now that he has a year and a bit of pro play under his belt, is a year and a half older, and is playing with more familar teammates, I think he could be the star of the tournament.

BTW is this going to be on any TV station in the area?

[CyphaPSU]

On Freddy Adu related news, today's Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Freddy and his agent Dan Segal said that Freddy wants to play in England either for Manchester United or Chelsea.

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/sports/11623756.htm

He can't go anywhere until he's 18, so instead of worrying about that stuff yet, I hope he will continue with what he's been doing at DC United and also with the youth national teams. He's still got a lot of work cut out for him at DC (such as making himself a consistant starter) and also working his way up to the national team pool.

[TEConnor]

I just hope that if he plays well that he doesn't come back with Post U-20 Convey syndrome.

[NattyBo]

Anywhere but Chelski Freddy :rolleyes:

[owendylan]

He did well at the last u20 WC, once he got playing time. Of course he was added right before the team left for the Gulf and wasn't that familiar with his teammates. Now that he has a year and a bit of pro play under his belt, is a year and a half older, and is playing with more familar teammates, I think he could be the star of the tournament.

BTW is this going to be on any TV station in the area?

I believe Galavision/telemundo have the rights. I think Galavision is channel 14 OTA in the DC metro area. They are also available on Directv.

Freddy should play in the tournament. A good performance by the team brings greater international exposure of US players. Also playing in an international is very different than club soccer so the more exposure he can have to it the better he will be able to handle those types of games when he finally moves in to the senior side. It will also help him on the club side.

[BudWiser]

More detail:
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000086&sid=arzf_npHG.HI