D.C. United trades Freddie Adu and Nick Rimando

[Jake]

Adu Is Headed West in A Trade
D.C. Deals Him To Salt Lake

By Steven Goff
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, December 12, 2006; E01

Sooner or later, Freddy Adu was going to leave D.C. United and embark on a faraway adventure.

Most expected his next move to take him to Europe. Instead, he is headed to Salt Lake City.

United yesterday shipped its 17-year-old celebrity midfielder along with veteran goalkeeper Nick Rimando to Real Salt Lake for reserve goalie Jay Nolly, a major player allocation and significant future considerations.

"It was not an easy decision," United President Kevin Payne said. "Freddy has been an important part of our team, but we saw an opportunity to do something for both him and for the future of our team."

The deal, formulated only in the last week, abruptly ended Adu's career in Washington after three up-and-down seasons. His signing at age 14 and his stay brought unprecedented exposure to United and MLS. But it also created headaches for Coach Peter Nowak, who tried to balance the needs of his team with the developmental requirements of a player who had been attracting interest from European clubs since he was 12 and whose $550,000 salary is more than five times the league average.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... 00920.html

I'm surprised but not shocked that Adu was traded. I am shocked that Rimando was traded. He was an outstanding goalie.

I personally think this trade is horrible. The United better get some talent in return.

[redskins12287]

Real Salt Lake? This sucks. If he was going to leave, I was hoping he would go to Europe. What a crappy trade. Freddy is awseome, why would they let him go to another MLS team?

[Irn-Bru]

I'm surprised but not shocked that Adu was traded. I am shocked that Rimando was traded. He was an outstanding goalie.

I personally think this trade is horrible. The United better get some talent in return.

Jake, I think that there are a few things going on here:

(1) Adu was good, but not phenomenal. He wasn't really good enough to start until this year, when he had a good (but not great) season. Almost all of his value is tied up in his youth and potential. In other words, it doesn't hurt the team's skill level as it stands to trade Adu; rather, trading Adu is trading the potential for a future great player. In other words, losing Adu won't hurt the team -- in the short run.

(2) Adu doesn't have a good attitude. The kid has been hailed as the savior of American soccer, and he's been treated like gold. However, he hasn't responded with the kind of humility and work ethic of (say) an Art Monk or a Jerry Rice. When the article points out that he's been a headache, that's what it means.

(3) Adu is going to Europe, and he will probably do so soon (in the next 1-3 years). There isn't much of a reason to hold on to young talent -- while putting up with some headaches -- if he's destined to get out of here anyway.

Of course, Man U (known for liking younger players) apparently wasn't so hot on him after his tryout, which is the curveball in all of this. Can Adu make it in Europe soon, or will that have to wait a few years?

[redskins12287]

No matter where he ends up, so long as it's not Real Madrid, I will always support and cheer for Freddy. Even if that means getting a knock-off Ghana jersey in four years. He's just one of those people that people like for no reason. Kind of like a pre-Gibbs LaVar Arrington; got paid alot of money, had a bad attitude, showed occasional flashes of brilliance, but never really lived up to his potential. But fans always worshiped him. The only difference is that Freddy is only 17, and there really is potential, not only in his skills, but with his attitude as well.

[Jake]

Eskandarian Traded to Expansion Club for Cash

By Steven Goff
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, December 22, 2006; 3:17 PM

D.C. United continued its busy month of personnel moves today by trading veteran forward Alecko Eskandarian to Toronto FC, an MLS expansion team, for money that will be used toward acquiring a foreign player.

"He has been a big part of our recent accomplishments," technical director Dave Kasper said. "We are, however, on the verge of signing major contributors and we know that in order to get something of value, we have to give up something of value."

United has been targeting Argentine and Brazilian players, and might announce at least one signing next week.

Eskandarian, 24, was the first overall pick in the 2003 draft from the University of Virginia. He had three goals and two assists as a rookie, but then contributed 10 and two assists in 2004 to help United win its fourth championship. Eskandarian scored twice in the MLS Cup victory over Kansas City and was named the game's most valuable player.

He missed most of the 2005 season with a concussion but returned this year to score seven goals. He also scored against world power Real Madrid in an exhibition in Seattle.

In the past month, United has traded Freddy Adu, Nick Rimando and Brandon Prideaux, lost Rod Dyachenko to Toronto in the expansion draft, waived three reserves, and promoted Tom Soehn to head coach after Peter Nowak left to join the U.S. national team staff.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... 00833.html

DC United has now traded almost everyone I've heard of. I think the only guy safe on the roster now is Christian Gomez.

This is going to be a long season.

[joebagadonuts]

Oh my. Is this a soccer thread on a football board? My goodness.

[Jake]

More like a futbol thread on a football board.

[redskins12287]

Dang. This guy they're bringing in better be pretty good.