Freddy Adu makes his MLS debut

[Rimmer]

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Chants of "Freddy, Freddy" echoed throughout the stadium Saturday whenever a D.C. United player missed a scoring chance early in the second half. (MLS Preview)

Finally, in the 61st minute, the moment arrived.

Flashbulbs popped amid the roars as 14-year-old soccer prodigy Freddy Adu entered the game and became the youngest athlete to play in a major American league in more than 100 years.

taken from the SI.com

did anyone see him play before? is all this hype really warranted? the article states that "his salary is a league-high $500,000". I mean, his only 14. I understand that american soccer needs all the marketing it can get, but I don't think this is right. how do the rest of the players feel? and how did he already complete high school??? it seems that the kid is not only a soccer wiz, but a future Noble prize winner. I just hope all this doesn't screw up his head. it would be a real shame...

R.

[LoupDogg]

Well, I think I recall reading that he would have headed for Man U if not of his desire to stay close to him mommy. So, I guess that says a lot about his talent. Not wanting to stay at home, but being desired by the best European clubs. On the other hand, wanting to stay at home show that the kid is not spoiled yet, and that's encouraging.

And I hope that soccer goes big in the States. It'll reflect on Canada, where all the kids play the sport anyways (way more than hockey, for that matter). And maybe one day the Montreal Impact will play in a decent league. And maybe we'll qualify for the World Cup? Oh, wait, we still have to beat those harsh Salvadorians before.

[Rimmer]

you're right that the biggest european clubs were interested in bringing Freddy over to Europe. I know that Inter were very interested for a long time. but the thing is that he wouldn't have gotten that kind of money from them. the MLS actually outbid them. and you can also be sure that he wouldn't play for the first team on any of those clubs. on top of that, he wouldn't be such a celebrity over here as he is in the US (which would probably be good for his development).

so Freddy in fact chose to stay home, play in the Major league, be a star and earn more money than he would in Europe. it wasn't a difficult choice, was it?

R.