Freddy, U-20s moving on
With convincing victories over Trinidad & Tobago, Panama, and Costa Rica the United States Men's Under-20 national team booked passage to Holland for the FIFA World Youth Championship. During the three game round-robin, which was held in The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., Freddy Adu tallied two goals, both coming from the penalty spot.
It was Adu's spot kick against Panama that led the U.S. to qualify for the FIFA World Youth Championship after just the first two games. After winning the third game against Costa Rica, the U.S. was able to win its group outright, the first time in the national team's history.
"It's a great feeling. It's not every day you get to play in a World Cup," said Adu, "Whenever you get the chance to play in a World Cup, it is something special."
The 2005 FIFA World Youth Championships will host 24 national teams comprised on the best young talent in the world. The tournament will be held in the Netherlands from June 10 to July 2.
Sports blitz
Fans are encouraged join D.C. United and the ESPN Zone in celebrating United's 2004 MLS Cup Championship. Hosted by the Greater Washington Sports Alliance, supporters can meet Adu and a host of D.C. United players this Friday from 6-8 p.m.
The event, sponsored by the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Nissan, will showcase D.C. United's historic fourth league championship. Friday night's proceeds will benefit youth investment programs in the Greater Washington area. The ESPN Zone is located at 555 12th Street, NW, in Washington, D.C.
Pigskin award
United vice president of marketing Jamie O'Connor was on hand to receive the Pigskin Club Special Recognition Award on behalf of D.C. United at the 67th Annual Pigskin Club Awards Dinner this past Friday night at the Capital Hilton. The group praised the four championships won by United and the club's continuing commitment to excellence. The Pigskin Club of Washington highlighted United as the most decorated sports franchise in Washington D.C.
Freddy Adu, who was in Los Angeles with the U-20 national team, was also honored at the event. He received the Pigskin Club Reward of Honor. Past winners of the Reward of Honor include NFL veterans Trent Green, Charles Mann and Brian Mitchell. Also recognized at the awards dinner were standout players and coaches from local football teams as well as Baltimore Raven safety Ed Reed and Washington Redskin corner Fred Smoot.
Perkins trains in England
Goalkeeper Troy Perkins has traveled to central England in order to join Bolton Wanderers of the English Barclay's Premiership for a 10-day training period. At Bolton, Perkins will be hard at work, preparing for the rigors of pre-season training. The Wanderers are currently in 11th place in the Premiership.
Perkins joined United last year as an unsigned rookie and quickly became an essential member of the squad. He made 16 appearances for the Black-and-Red in 2004 and led the team to its first road victory. He posted three shutouts on the season.
