TalkSoccer - Soccer / Football Forum - View Single Post

Ricochet · 20-11-2003, 03:19 PM

http://www.turfmonster.com/content/?ContentId=1178

US request FIFA backing for Adu

US Under 20 national team manager Thomas Rongen is waiting on FIFA approval to add new DC United signing Freddy Adu into his World Championship squad.

Should approval be gained, the 14-year-old will replace injured San Jose Earthquake Arturo Alvarez on the 20 man squad that will compete in the United Arab Emirates from November 27 to December 19. The U.S. submitted their official tournament squad to FIFA on November 14, but any listed player can be substituted with FIFA approval in the event of injury up to 24 hours in advance of a team's first match.

Alvarez has been suffering with a groin injury for the past two weeks and underwent a physical today with the San Jose medical staff that ruled him out of the tournament.

"This is a great disappoint for myself and the team, and obviously for Arturo," said Rongen. "After looking closely at the situation, though, it became apparent that Arturo was not going to be able to go to the UAE at 100 per cent. He has been a big part of this team and we know that we will miss his contribution greatly."

Alvarez played in 13 games over the past two years with the U.S. Under-20s, nine of which were international matches. The 18-year-old forward became an integral part of the team during 2003. This year, Alvarez notched his first goal with the U-20s when he scored the game-winner against Norway in the Madeira International Tournament in Spain this March.

"We are fortunate to be able to bring a player like Freddy into the team as it is a natural fit for us and he has similar qualities to Arturo," added Rongen. "I think he can provide us with the same type of play in terms of ball handling and effectiveness as a weapon off the bench."
Adu, who is currently in Residency with the US Under-17s, signed a multi-year contract with Major League Soccer. He has been designated as a Nike Project-40 player and will be eligible for the 2004 SuperDraft, which will be held on January 16, 2004, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

"I am extremely, extremely excited to be able to represent my country again in a world championship," said Adu. "When I represented the U.S. at the U-17 World Championship, I always thought, 'you never know when you will get another chance, it may never come.' And now, I am getting another chance, right away. I am very grateful for the opportunity and looking forward to it."

Adu’s only cap with the US Under-20 was against Japan on October 8, in a friendly at a training field at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California. Adu came on as a substitute in the 74th minute as the US fell to Japan 2-1.

The team will travel to UAE on Saturday, Nov. 22 and conduct a week of training before the tournament.

20-11-2003, 03:19 PM	#16 (permalink)
Ricochet TS Member Favourite Team: USMNT, Manchester United Ricochet is Offline Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: New York Posts: 4,405 vCash: 500 Rep: Rep Points: 698 Country:	http://www.turfmonster.com/content/?ContentId=1178 US request FIFA backing for Adu US Under 20 national team manager Thomas Rongen is waiting on FIFA approval to add new DC United signing Freddy Adu into his World Championship squad. Should approval be gained, the 14-year-old will replace injured San Jose Earthquake Arturo Alvarez on the 20 man squad that will compete in the United Arab Emirates from November 27 to December 19. The U.S. submitted their official tournament squad to FIFA on November 14, but any listed player can be substituted with FIFA approval in the event of injury up to 24 hours in advance of a team's first match. Alvarez has been suffering with a groin injury for the past two weeks and underwent a physical today with the San Jose medical staff that ruled him out of the tournament. "This is a great disappoint for myself and the team, and obviously for Arturo," said Rongen. "After looking closely at the situation, though, it became apparent that Arturo was not going to be able to go to the UAE at 100 per cent. He has been a big part of this team and we know that we will miss his contribution greatly." Alvarez played in 13 games over the past two years with the U.S. Under-20s, nine of which were international matches. The 18-year-old forward became an integral part of the team during 2003. This year, Alvarez notched his first goal with the U-20s when he scored the game-winner against Norway in the Madeira International Tournament in Spain this March. "We are fortunate to be able to bring a player like Freddy into the team as it is a natural fit for us and he has similar qualities to Arturo," added Rongen. "I think he can provide us with the same type of play in terms of ball handling and effectiveness as a weapon off the bench." Adu, who is currently in Residency with the US Under-17s, signed a multi-year contract with Major League Soccer. He has been designated as a Nike Project-40 player and will be eligible for the 2004 SuperDraft, which will be held on January 16, 2004, in Charlotte, North Carolina. "I am extremely, extremely excited to be able to represent my country again in a world championship," said Adu. "When I represented the U.S. at the U-17 World Championship, I always thought, 'you never know when you will get another chance, it may never come.' And now, I am getting another chance, right away. I am very grateful for the opportunity and looking forward to it." Adu’s only cap with the US Under-20 was against Japan on October 8, in a friendly at a training field at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California. Adu came on as a substitute in the 74th minute as the US fell to Japan 2-1. The team will travel to UAE on Saturday, Nov. 22 and conduct a week of training before the tournament. __________________ "Everyone on this forum is dumber for having read this post."