So much soccer, so little time. I was chided by a friend for failing to note Freddy Adu‘s first MLS goal in last week’s column. So: yes, he did. And yes, he’s really good – stunningly good for a 14-year-old. And though he’s not yet a 90-minute player, nor as skilled as, say, last year’s U.S. wunderkinden, Landon Donovan and DaMarcus Beasley, he’s the biggest draw in the league by far at this point. Maybe by the end of the season, he’ll even be a starter. See for yourself: San Jose at Adu’s DC United is the MLS game of the week on ESPN2, Saturday, May 1, 3pm.
Meanwhile, the European leagues are heading into their final weeks. A handful of teams have already clinched titles – Arsenal, Celtic, Porto – but there are down-to-the-wire races all over the continent – both for the top spots, and for qualification slots for next year’s European cups. Speaking of which, the Champions League semifinals are this week, live on ESPN2: Porto at Deportivo Tuesday, 1:30pm; and Monaco at Chelsea on Wednesday, 1:30pm. (UEFA Cup semis, digi-cable only, are on Thursday.)
American goalkeeper Tim Howard of Manchester United was named a first-team all-star in the English Premier League. The PFA “Team of the Year” is decided by a vote of the players.
Nebraska’s all-Big 12 defender Jenna Cooper was shot to death at a party celebrating the end of the spring soccer season. The bullet was intended for an acquaintance standing nearby, who had gotten in an argument with another partygoer. The three-year starter would’ve been a senior next fall.
Abby Wambaugh scored two goals while playing just one half, and Mia Hamm got a goal and three assists, as the U.S. women romped over Brazil, 5-1, in a tuneup for the Athens Olympics.
There were at least 31 international friendlies on Wednesday as we went to press, as national teams around the globe got in some preparation for Euro 2004 and World Cup qualification. The schedule was highlighted by Roberto Baggio‘s surprise appearance in an Italy shirt, perhaps for the last time (or, fans hope, as part of a comeback before this summer’s Euro championships). Closer to home, the bitter U.S.-Mexico rivalry was revived in the Cotton Bowl Wednesday evening, too late for press time. One shock result from earlier in the day: Romania crushed Germany, 5-1, with embattled goalkeeper Oliver Kahn giving up four goals in one half of action. See “Soccer Watch Online” for all the day’s results, plus news and standings from the major Euro leagues.
This article appears in April 30 • 2004.