Reminds me of some local soccer players.

http://highschool.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1083689

http://g.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/world-cup/news/timing-is-everything--fbintl,ro-freddyadu051110.html

soccergrinder wrote:http://g.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/world-cup/news/timing-is-everything--fbintl,ro-freddyadu051110.html

You think?

"In hindsight, such acceleration into the senior ranks smacks of madness. Back then, it was seen as merely the first stepping stone on the path to greatness.

Growing up in the spotlight didn't do Adu much good, with the big contract, big expectations and constant scrutiny weighing heavily on his shoulders."

MLS needed a marketing gimick to put butts in the seats. They picked a 13 year-old kid as their savior. FCD had the #1 draft pick that year, but Adu didn't want to come to Dallas. He told MLS he would only play for DCU. So, they got the 13 year-old and the rest is history. Coming to Dallas wouldn't haven't worked better. My point is that the MLS was willing to do anything to get this 13 year old.

"Hindsight"?... my hairy ass. US soccer is run by a bunch of f''n idiots that wouldn't know a top soccer prospect if they had the chance to see one. They just sit back a listen for a buzz about a player. When any kind of buzz starts up, they jump on him and use him as bait to sucker in a bunch of adult fans that really don't care except to make sure their 12-13 year-old progeny are seen watching a lot of bad soccer at their local MLS facility by the local club soccer coaches/DOCs/etc.

You show me a world-class 13 year-old soccer player, and I'll show up a 19 year-old soccer player club player that will kick his ass.

FlatBack4 wrote:

soccergrinder wrote:http://g.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/world-cup/news/timing-is-everything--fbintl,ro-freddyadu051110.html

You think?

"In hindsight, such acceleration into the senior ranks smacks of madness. Back then, it was seen as merely the first stepping stone on the path to greatness.

Growing up in the spotlight didn't do Adu much good, with the big contract, big expectations and constant scrutiny weighing heavily on his shoulders."

MLS needed a marketing gimick to put butts in the seats. They picked a 13 year-old kid as their savior. FCD had the #1 draft pick that year, but Adu didn't want to come to Dallas. He told MLS he would only play for DCU. So, they got the 13 year-old and the rest is history. Coming to Dallas wouldn't haven't worked better. My point is that the MLS was willing to do anything to get this 13 year old.

"Hindsight"?... my hairy ass. US soccer is run by a bunch of f''n idiots that wouldn't know a top soccer prospect if they had the chance to see one. They just sit back a listen for a buzz about a player. When any kind of buzz starts up, they jump on him and use him as bait to sucker in a bunch of adult fans that really don't care except to make sure their 12-13 year-old progeny are seen watching a lot of bad soccer at their local MLS facility by the local club soccer coaches/DOCs/etc.

You show me a world-class 13 year-old soccer player, and I'll show up a 19 year-old soccer player club player that will kick his ass.

The real question is....FB where you been?

FlatBack4 wrote:

soccergrinder wrote:http://g.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/world-cup/news/timing-is-everything--fbintl,ro-freddyadu051110.html

You think?

"In hindsight, such acceleration into the senior ranks smacks of madness. Back then, it was seen as merely the first stepping stone on the path to greatness.

Growing up in the spotlight didn't do Adu much good, with the big contract, big expectations and constant scrutiny weighing heavily on his shoulders."

MLS needed a marketing gimick to put butts in the seats. They picked a 13 year-old kid as their savior. FCD had the #1 draft pick that year, but Adu didn't want to come to Dallas. He told MLS he would only play for DCU. So, they got the 13 year-old and the rest is history. Coming to Dallas wouldn't haven't worked better. My point is that the MLS was willing to do anything to get this 13 year old.

"Hindsight"?... my hairy ass. US soccer is run by a bunch of f''n idiots that wouldn't know a top soccer prospect if they had the chance to see one. They just sit back a listen for a buzz about a player. When any kind of buzz starts up, they jump on him and use him as bait to sucker in a bunch of adult fans that really don't care except to make sure their 12-13 year-old progeny are seen watching a lot of bad soccer at their local MLS facility by the local club soccer coaches/DOCs/etc.

You show me a world-class 13 year-old soccer player, and I'll show up a 19 year-old soccer player club player that will kick his ass.

Flatman, that's quite an indictment on our pro system. I agree we need a home grown hero to get folks in the seats at MLS matches. Isn't that what the Galaxy are going to do next week when they visit Frisco. The stadium should be full of people getting an up close look at some World Cup players. Beckham won't be there, but Donovan will (and FCD's Heath Pearce). Always a good crowd when LA comes to town.

I agree with the Adu situation. I remember when he went pro in '03. My oldest was inspired by his million dollar contract at such a young age. We used to go watch him play whenever DC visited FCD. His potential still hasn't fully developed and I was really hoping he would make the WC squad this year.

I believe all pro sports are eager to find the next big thing to wave in front of the public to get fans in the seats and TVs tuned in. What about Lebron James. Isn't he getting similar scrutiny these days for exactly the same thing? Potential vs Performance. I still believe at least one of our kids playing in Classic right now will make it to the MLS. Time will tell. I am a believer.

finish1 wrote:

FlatBack4 wrote:

soccergrinder wrote:http://g.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/world-cup/news/timing-is-everything--fbintl,ro-freddyadu051110.html

You think?

"In hindsight, such acceleration into the senior ranks smacks of madness. Back then, it was seen as merely the first stepping stone on the path to greatness.

Growing up in the spotlight didn't do Adu much good, with the big contract, big expectations and constant scrutiny weighing heavily on his shoulders."

MLS needed a marketing gimick to put butts in the seats. They picked a 13 year-old kid as their savior. FCD had the #1 draft pick that year, but Adu didn't want to come to Dallas. He told MLS he would only play for DCU. So, they got the 13 year-old and the rest is history. Coming to Dallas wouldn't haven't worked better. My point is that the MLS was willing to do anything to get this 13 year old.

"Hindsight"?... my hairy ass. US soccer is run by a bunch of f''n idiots that wouldn't know a top soccer prospect if they had the chance to see one. They just sit back a listen for a buzz about a player. When any kind of buzz starts up, they jump on him and use him as bait to sucker in a bunch of adult fans that really don't care except to make sure their 12-13 year-old progeny are seen watching a lot of bad soccer at their local MLS facility by the local club soccer coaches/DOCs/etc.

You show me a world-class 13 year-old soccer player, and I'll show up a 19 year-old soccer player club player that will kick his ass.

Flatman, that's quite an indictment on our pro system. I agree we need a home grown hero to get folks in the seats at MLS matches. Isn't that what the Galaxy are going to do next week when they visit Frisco. The stadium should be full of people getting an up close look at some World Cup players. Beckham won't be there, but Donovan will (and FCD's Heath Pearce). Always a good crowd when LA comes to town.

I agree with the Adu situation. I remember when he went pro in '03. My oldest was inspired by his million dollar contract at such a young age. We used to go watch him play whenever DC visited FCD. His potential still hasn't fully developed and I was really hoping he would make the WC squad this year.

I believe all pro sports are eager to find the next big thing to wave in front of the public to get fans in the seats and TVs tuned in. What about Lebron James. Isn't he getting similar scrutiny these days for exactly the same thing? Potential vs Performance. I still believe at least one of our kids playing in Classic right now will make it to the MLS. Time will tell. I am a believer.

F1 you had me until the Lebron-Adu comparison. Lebron has lived up to every bit of hype set on him individually but just has not won a championship. Adu is sitting on the bench in a second rate league. The good thing is that they are both still young and still have a ton of potential.

T Dawg, I don't know. Cavs owner Dan Gilbert has said they are failing to execute when it counts and folks are pointing to Lebron spefifically. ESPN has put a lot of focus on his individual performance (or lack thereof) in game 5. Some are questioning his total potential. That's where I'm drawing the comparative line.

I see your point F1. I personally think the owner is overreacting. Lebron has been very good for two years and great for five. He has not been good in the series for his standards. His potential is leveling but the level is pretty darn good. I just hope that Lebron does not end up like Barkley, great without a title.