The Philadelphia Union officially unveiled Freddy Adu as their newest signing yesterday and today, they’ve named him in their starting IX for tonight’s match against FC Dallas. Apparently Union coach Peter Nowak wasn’t joking when he said that Adu’s place was "“in the starting 11” at his introductory press conference.
The attacking midfielder will be looking to boost the Union attack who has scored 27 goals in 22 games this year, which puts them at only 12th out of 18 MLS teams in scoring. Adu scored 13 goals in 98 MLS appearances during his first stint in the league, which began when he was only 14.
“I think I am a better player today than when I left MLS four years ago." Adu said. "Maturing helps a lot. As the years go on, you get older and start to put things together.”
He also said yesterday that the Union may have new US Men’s National Team boss Jurgen Klinsmann to thank in part for Freddy deciding to return to MLS.
“I had a talk with Jurgen before camp and also when I was in camp,” said Adu. “His advice really helped me make this decision [to come back to MLS]. He told me that no matter where I end up, if I am playing and playing well, I will get my chance.”
The Union Host FC Dallas tonight at PPL Park at 8:05. You can catch the game on 6ABC.