The Forecast discusses Freddy Adu's move to Philadelphia before diving into the weekend slate.
Fate has brought Freddy Adu and Peter Nowak back together again.
The two former D.C. United men will link up in Philadelphia today to announce Adu's return to America after a four-year European odyssey. The details of the move – Designated Player or not a Designated Player, for instance – remain somewhat blurry, but Adu will reunite with Nowak to supply the Union with the creative attacking presence it has sought for much of the summer.
Now it is up to Adu to prove that he is exactly that man.
Make no mistake: Adu's return to MLS represents a vital point in his career. After spending three years in a loan-marred abyss, the 22-year-old midfielder finally found some traction this spring with a temporary switch to Rizespor in the Turkish second division and reinforced that development with a belated star turn for the U.S. national team at the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
The next step forward requires Adu to perform on a week-in, week-out basis to cultivate and polish some of the skills he's shown in flashes over the past few years. Adu reportedly spurned European interest – suitors in England, Spain and Sweden vied for his signature, according to the Washington Post – to choose a club where he shouldn't have to fret for his place on a weekly basis.
(Note: Lots of needless ink will be spilled over the next few days about reviving the once-rocky relationship between Adu and Nowak. It's a sexy story line, but it isn't particularly relevant at this juncture. Adu isn't a teenager any more and, presumably, he won't act like one. Both parties knew the score and pursued this complicated and likely expensive move anyways. The bottom line: Nowak will almost certainly put Adu in the lineup week after week until his play on the field demands an alternative approach.)
In exchange for that security, Adu has now assumed responsibility. He will draw attention from fans and opposing defenses unlike the level of scrutiny he would have faced if he had stayed in Europe. He will have to ignore the former and shrug off the latter to continue his growth as a player and deliver as expected on the field. He has struggled with distractions in the past, but he has also shown in recent months that he has learned how to manage them. He must now prove that he can live up to the task now presented to him.
For Adu, the potentially temporary end to his stay in Europe marks a new chapter in his career. He possesses more than enough talent to ensure that this phase continues the upward trajectory he has finally located over the past few months. He will now attempt to unleash his ability in a league where he has had success in the past and for a club that is set up with the type of flexible and incisive attacking options that should play well off him. A successful spell with the Union is well within his powers, but he must apply himself appropriately to make the most of the significant opportunity presented to him.
In a career that has dealt him more than a few hurdles, Adu has made a choice that should leave the short- and medium-future well and truly in his control. It is now up to him to show that he has chosen this particular fate wisely as he strives to increase his influence on the domestic and the international scenes.
Last week: 2/9 (22%)
For the season: 65/174 (37%)
Saturday
Chivas USA @ Seattle – 4:00p.m.
Keep an eye on the formation Robin Fraser selects to cope with Sounders FC. Fraser had plumped for a five-man midfield in recent weeks, but he returned to the usual four-man diamond for Saturday's 3-2 victory at New England. It might make some sense to revert to the five-man setup here given Seattle's ability to knock it around and transition through midfield, though it would present a selection quandary between Justin Braun and Alejandro Moreno for the one berth up top. Those tactical considerations could pale in contrast to the potentially crucial return of Jhon Kennedy Hurtado (knee) to the Sounders FC back four, however.
Prediction: Seattle win.
Real Salt Lake @ Toronto FC – 7:00p.m. (GOL TV Canada)
RSL righted the ship by summarily dispatching New York at Rio Tinto Stadium last weekend and the success should continue this weekend. This particular endeavor suits the Claret-and-Cobalt well for two reasons: it will play four versus three in midfield and it will have the opportunity to expose TFC's frail back four with its mix of pace and power up front.
Prediction: Real Salt Lake win.
Chicago @ New York – 7:30p.m.
It is well past time for the Red Bulls to stop the rot. They'll have to navigate the usual concerns presented by the Fire – Dominic Oduro can trouble the slow back four with his speed, while Patrick Nyarko and Marco Pappa always pose a threat in the wide areas – in order to pick up all three points here. Chicago has bossed the series in recent seasons (5-1-3 in the past nine meetings), but New York represents the smart play here given the Fire's performance last weekend and the sense of urgency surrounding Red Bull Arena these days.
Prediction: New York win.
Vancouver @ D.C. United – 7:30p.m.
Consider the rest of the season as a test of character for these Whitecaps. Martin Rennie's appointment essentially places the entire squad – and, perhaps, interim boss and director of soccer operations Tom Soehn – in a holding pattern. Vancouver should benefit from its comprehensive victory over Chicago at Empire Field on Sunday and the insertion of Steve Cronin for the suspended Bill Hamid, but one has to wonder whether the focus will be there and, even if it is, whether the visitors can cope with Dwayne De Rosario given his currently irresistible run of form.
Prediction: D.C. United win.
New England @ Columbus – 7:30p.m.
The outcome of this game could hinge on how the Crew copes with the likely absence of Eddie Gaven (right lower leg contusion) in midfield. Bernardo Anor isn't a like-for-like replacement, but he has shown – albeit perhaps only in one match against Houston earlier this year – that he can influence the match in other ways. Without Gaven to provide some impetus through midfield, the Crew will likely look to Robbie Rogers – fresh off his goal for the U.S. in midweek – to pose the biggest threat. One approach Robert Warzycha may want to try: flipping Rogers onto the right flank to use his pace against Chris Tierney at left back rather than pitting him against the similarly speedy Kevin Alston.
Prediction: Columbus win.
FC Dallas @ Philadelphia – 8:30p.m.
Adu's arrival has diverted most of the attention away from this potentially engaging encounter. FCD couldn't find its legs against Los Angeles last weekend, but it should benefit from having the entire week off to prepare for this encounter. Although Philadelphia is the home team in this affair, the Union might be best served by employing two crucial underpinnings to a modest approach: closing down space in possession by keeping a disciplined shape that pressures at the correct times and limiting FCD's ability to break on the counter by retaining ample numbers at the back.
Prediction: Draw.
Colorado @ San Jose – 10:30p.m.
San Jose will have to chop and change again up front – Scott Sealy (groin pull) will miss out, according to the San Jose Mercury News – but that isn't a bad thing for the misfiring Earthquakes. Is it any wonder that San Jose general manager John Doyle is trawling the world for another striker before the transfer window closes on Monday? Any potential addition won't help in this game, but the focus may fall more on the visitors at this point. Gary Smith's selection choices – Caleb Folan, Mac Kandji and Jamie Smith could all be in contention, while Omar Cummings (China) and Sanna Nyassi (The Gambia) face arduous journeys back to the States – could play a significant role in how this affair unfolds..
Prediction: Draw.
Sunday
Portland @ Houston – 9:00p.m. (Galavision)
There's a sense of forward motion these days in Houston with Carlo Costly making his debut last weekend (and fresh off a pair of goals for Honduras in midweek) and Luiz Camargo en route to pull the strings. Those additions should give Dominic Kinnear increased options in the attacking third and, perhaps, permit Geoff Cameron to address other areas of weakness (holding midfield and/or central defense, though Adam Moffat did allow him some room to roam as an attacking midfielder last weekend at Philadelphia) on a more frequent basis.
Portland will bring a raft of former Dynamo men to town – former assistant John Spencer left last year, while Mike Chabala and Lovel Palmer recently moved to Oregon after a recent deal between the two clubs – with designs on stealing a result without the suspended Jeremy Hall. Don't bet on the pupil toppling the master in this encounter given the Timbers' spotty road form, however.
Prediction: Houston win.
Kyle McCarthy writes the Monday MLS Breakdown and frequently writes opinion pieces during the week for Goal.com. He also covers the New England Revolution for the Boston Herald and MLSsoccer.com. Contact him with your questions or comments at kyle.mccarthy@goal.com and follow him on Twitter by clicking here.
The two former D.C. United men will link up in Philadelphia today to announce Adu's return to America after a four-year European odyssey. The details of the move – Designated Player or not a Designated Player, for instance – remain somewhat blurry, but Adu will reunite with Nowak to supply the Union with the creative attacking presence it has sought for much of the summer.Now it is up to Adu to prove that he is exactly that man.
Make no mistake: Adu's return to MLS represents a vital point in his career. After spending three years in a loan-marred abyss, the 22-year-old midfielder finally found some traction this spring with a temporary switch to Rizespor in the Turkish second division and reinforced that development with a belated star turn for the U.S. national team at the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
The next step forward requires Adu to perform on a week-in, week-out basis to cultivate and polish some of the skills he's shown in flashes over the past few years. Adu reportedly spurned European interest – suitors in England, Spain and Sweden vied for his signature, according to the Washington Post – to choose a club where he shouldn't have to fret for his place on a weekly basis.
(Note: Lots of needless ink will be spilled over the next few days about reviving the once-rocky relationship between Adu and Nowak. It's a sexy story line, but it isn't particularly relevant at this juncture. Adu isn't a teenager any more and, presumably, he won't act like one. Both parties knew the score and pursued this complicated and likely expensive move anyways. The bottom line: Nowak will almost certainly put Adu in the lineup week after week until his play on the field demands an alternative approach.)
In exchange for that security, Adu has now assumed responsibility. He will draw attention from fans and opposing defenses unlike the level of scrutiny he would have faced if he had stayed in Europe. He will have to ignore the former and shrug off the latter to continue his growth as a player and deliver as expected on the field. He has struggled with distractions in the past, but he has also shown in recent months that he has learned how to manage them. He must now prove that he can live up to the task now presented to him.
For Adu, the potentially temporary end to his stay in Europe marks a new chapter in his career. He possesses more than enough talent to ensure that this phase continues the upward trajectory he has finally located over the past few months. He will now attempt to unleash his ability in a league where he has had success in the past and for a club that is set up with the type of flexible and incisive attacking options that should play well off him. A successful spell with the Union is well within his powers, but he must apply himself appropriately to make the most of the significant opportunity presented to him.
In a career that has dealt him more than a few hurdles, Adu has made a choice that should leave the short- and medium-future well and truly in his control. It is now up to him to show that he has chosen this particular fate wisely as he strives to increase his influence on the domestic and the international scenes.
Last week: 2/9 (22%)
For the season: 65/174 (37%)
Saturday
Chivas USA @ Seattle – 4:00p.m.
Keep an eye on the formation Robin Fraser selects to cope with Sounders FC. Fraser had plumped for a five-man midfield in recent weeks, but he returned to the usual four-man diamond for Saturday's 3-2 victory at New England. It might make some sense to revert to the five-man setup here given Seattle's ability to knock it around and transition through midfield, though it would present a selection quandary between Justin Braun and Alejandro Moreno for the one berth up top. Those tactical considerations could pale in contrast to the potentially crucial return of Jhon Kennedy Hurtado (knee) to the Sounders FC back four, however.
Prediction: Seattle win.
Real Salt Lake @ Toronto FC – 7:00p.m. (GOL TV Canada)
RSL righted the ship by summarily dispatching New York at Rio Tinto Stadium last weekend and the success should continue this weekend. This particular endeavor suits the Claret-and-Cobalt well for two reasons: it will play four versus three in midfield and it will have the opportunity to expose TFC's frail back four with its mix of pace and power up front.
Prediction: Real Salt Lake win.
Chicago @ New York – 7:30p.m.
It is well past time for the Red Bulls to stop the rot. They'll have to navigate the usual concerns presented by the Fire – Dominic Oduro can trouble the slow back four with his speed, while Patrick Nyarko and Marco Pappa always pose a threat in the wide areas – in order to pick up all three points here. Chicago has bossed the series in recent seasons (5-1-3 in the past nine meetings), but New York represents the smart play here given the Fire's performance last weekend and the sense of urgency surrounding Red Bull Arena these days.
Prediction: New York win.
Vancouver @ D.C. United – 7:30p.m.
Consider the rest of the season as a test of character for these Whitecaps. Martin Rennie's appointment essentially places the entire squad – and, perhaps, interim boss and director of soccer operations Tom Soehn – in a holding pattern. Vancouver should benefit from its comprehensive victory over Chicago at Empire Field on Sunday and the insertion of Steve Cronin for the suspended Bill Hamid, but one has to wonder whether the focus will be there and, even if it is, whether the visitors can cope with Dwayne De Rosario given his currently irresistible run of form.
Prediction: D.C. United win.
New England @ Columbus – 7:30p.m.
The outcome of this game could hinge on how the Crew copes with the likely absence of Eddie Gaven (right lower leg contusion) in midfield. Bernardo Anor isn't a like-for-like replacement, but he has shown – albeit perhaps only in one match against Houston earlier this year – that he can influence the match in other ways. Without Gaven to provide some impetus through midfield, the Crew will likely look to Robbie Rogers – fresh off his goal for the U.S. in midweek – to pose the biggest threat. One approach Robert Warzycha may want to try: flipping Rogers onto the right flank to use his pace against Chris Tierney at left back rather than pitting him against the similarly speedy Kevin Alston.
Prediction: Columbus win.
FC Dallas @ Philadelphia – 8:30p.m.
Adu's arrival has diverted most of the attention away from this potentially engaging encounter. FCD couldn't find its legs against Los Angeles last weekend, but it should benefit from having the entire week off to prepare for this encounter. Although Philadelphia is the home team in this affair, the Union might be best served by employing two crucial underpinnings to a modest approach: closing down space in possession by keeping a disciplined shape that pressures at the correct times and limiting FCD's ability to break on the counter by retaining ample numbers at the back.
Prediction: Draw.
Colorado @ San Jose – 10:30p.m.
San Jose will have to chop and change again up front – Scott Sealy (groin pull) will miss out, according to the San Jose Mercury News – but that isn't a bad thing for the misfiring Earthquakes. Is it any wonder that San Jose general manager John Doyle is trawling the world for another striker before the transfer window closes on Monday? Any potential addition won't help in this game, but the focus may fall more on the visitors at this point. Gary Smith's selection choices – Caleb Folan, Mac Kandji and Jamie Smith could all be in contention, while Omar Cummings (China) and Sanna Nyassi (The Gambia) face arduous journeys back to the States – could play a significant role in how this affair unfolds..
Prediction: Draw.
Sunday
Portland @ Houston – 9:00p.m. (Galavision)
There's a sense of forward motion these days in Houston with Carlo Costly making his debut last weekend (and fresh off a pair of goals for Honduras in midweek) and Luiz Camargo en route to pull the strings. Those additions should give Dominic Kinnear increased options in the attacking third and, perhaps, permit Geoff Cameron to address other areas of weakness (holding midfield and/or central defense, though Adam Moffat did allow him some room to roam as an attacking midfielder last weekend at Philadelphia) on a more frequent basis.
Portland will bring a raft of former Dynamo men to town – former assistant John Spencer left last year, while Mike Chabala and Lovel Palmer recently moved to Oregon after a recent deal between the two clubs – with designs on stealing a result without the suspended Jeremy Hall. Don't bet on the pupil toppling the master in this encounter given the Timbers' spotty road form, however.
Prediction: Houston win.
Kyle McCarthy writes the Monday MLS Breakdown and frequently writes opinion pieces during the week for Goal.com. He also covers the New England Revolution for the Boston Herald and MLSsoccer.com. Contact him with your questions or comments at kyle.mccarthy@goal.com and follow him on Twitter by clicking here.
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