From Deseret News archives:
The time is now for Adu
World Cup could make or break career
He's proclaimed for years that he wants to play in Europe, and having turned 18 earlier this month, age restrictions are no longer a hindrance. But what about his game? Outside of his infectious smile and laughter, not to mention his tremendous marketability, has he done enough on the pitch in his four Major League Soccer seasons to warrant contract offers from abroad?
Most would say, not yet.
That's what makes the next three weeks so important for Adu and his career aspirations. With soccer scouts from all over the world flocking to Canada to watch the FIFA Under-20 World Cup, Adu will not only be representing the Under-20 U.S. National Team, but he'll also be auditioning for hundreds of different clubs.
Adu's fortunes during a tournament that kicks off Saturday and continues until July 22 seem likely to fall into one of three scenarios.
First, with a great showing in Canada, Adu receives transfer requests from several European clubs within days, forcing MLS and Real Salt Lake into a difficult decision of whether or not to void the remainder of his contract and let him pursue his dream overseas.
The last scenario involves Adu and the United States playing horribly and not advancing out of group play. The European teams scratch their heads and wonder what all the fuss was about. Adu would then return to a struggling club that he's struggled to adapt to.
The prospects of his more favorable scenario panning out got off to a good start last week when he recorded a goal and an assist in a 2-1 tune-up victory over Chile. He added another goal in a 4-0 tune-up win over New Zealand on Monday.
Adu doesn't believe it's a coincidence. When he's with the U.S., he plays in the middle and insists he's more comfortable. In his four MLS seasons, however, coaches have traditionally utilized him as a left midfielder, or out of position, according to Adu.
Comments
- Millsap in, A.K. out against Memphis 11:47 a.m.
- Ontario Mormons' nativity scenes 11:46 a.m.
- Salt Lake leaders urge buy local 11:32 a.m.
- Bones broken in Grand Co. accidents 11:30 a.m.
- Mitchell's 'books' are coherent 11:04 a.m.
- Valentine not joining race in 2010 10:56 a.m.
- Two more running for 2nd District 10:56 a.m.
- Chelsea Clinton is engaged 10:31 a.m.
- Suspect in police deaths still at large 10:28 a.m.
- Gov't pressures mortgage industry 10:25 a.m.
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
886 - Cougars beat Utes in overtime
479 - Max Hall issues apology
320 - Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal
188 - BYU is champion of the state
138 - Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
120 - Cave to be sealed with body inside
116 - Rivalry Week is highly profane
90 - Utes won't respond to Hall
85 - Hall's legacy measured today
80
Once again, the BYU-Utah game lived up to its billing. You could tell it...
We learned a bit more about the basketball team after this weekend.
what apology? that was an excuse....
First off, I've heard lots of Ute fans dispute Max's story about his family....
I for one am grateful for the Police. They are there to protect us all. If...
Gee Kyle, you are so statesman like. You were just as silent last year when...
P.S. The cheerleader was a guy and kinda beat the fan down lol
OK, he shouldn't have said it, but so what??? It's a rivalry and both sides...
If Kyle or Mr Hill had any CLASS they would send a public appology to Max and...
Clearly, Max Hall made a mistake in his comments. It was a bad mistake and...
Once and for all people, there is NO BEER sold as RES. Stop saying you keep...
Max did nothing other than tell the truth. It's a sad state of affairs. But...




You can be the first to comment on this story.