US v. Brazil U-20 Match

Wow, that was an amazing match. Adu jogado bonita better than the Brazilians and the Altidore showed the US Men what a finisher can do. Seitz proved that Guzan isn't the only goalkeeper in the mix for 2014 and/or 2018. Zizzo and Rogers showed good ball control with their feet on the chalk and Bradley played a good defensive game.

MLS has really helped give this US team bite. Adu creates the first goal by just destroying the Brazilian D-Mid, plus he never once got knocked off the ball. Jozy easily holds the ball up against U-20 players after learning how against MLS vets. Bradley and Szetela did a good job clogging up the middle and forcing Brazil wide. The US players were a lot more physical than their Brazilian counterparts and I think it threw the Brazilians off their game a little. Yes, MLS players will pull a Mastroeni every once and a while, making a poor challenge that wouldn't be a card in MLS but is on the international level, but on the whole I liked what I saw.

It was especially effective when they combined it with some stellar possession and creative plays. Goff is incorrect when he says that, "Brazil was technically superior and more comfortable on the ball -- no surprise there -- but the U.S. team hung in there, absorbed pressure and confidently counterattacked." THE WERE EVEN ON POSSESSION WITH BRAZIL. Yes, the young Brazilians were definitely more technically superior but the US players were much more organized and linked their passes better when they took the time to build up an attack. It was a fairly even game all around, and a great one to watch.

For those of you who missed it here are some highlights.


Now the real question for DC United is when do we want Adu to transfer to Europe? According to Goff:

The future considerations acquired in the trade also are vital to United's plans. If Adu was to leave Real Salt Lake for Europe, it would receive compensation from MLS to acquire a new player. Under the conditions of yesterday's trade, United would receive a portion of Salt Lake's payout. In addition, if Adu stays with Salt Lake through the end of the 2007 season, United would receive a draft pick. The better Adu plays, the better the draft pick would be.

So the way I see it, without any further information, we are hoping that he goes to Europe before the end of the season. A large payout is not out of the question anymore (thanks to MLS changing the rules) and DC United could get a significant chunk of that. I will leave Goff with the task of finding out exactly what percent of the transfer fee United might obtain, and what type of draft pick United might get if the move isn't completed until after the season.