Fatigue isn’t an issue for a 17-year-old like Freddy Adu. But that doesn’t mean he hasn’t benefited from the rest he’s been afforded in D.C. United’s last two matches.
Adu wasn’t listed as injured for the U.S. Open Cup victory over New York or last weekend’s loss to Los Angeles, but a bone bruise in his left knee worsened in training last week and limited him to just the final 30 minutes against the Galaxy.
Adu said Thursday that he’s fine and looking forward to a chance to get back in United’s starting lineup.
“I’m ready to play,” Adu said. “I didn’t play much in the last week so I feel fresh and rested. I’m anxious, I’m ready to go. I haven’t started and played a full game in while so hopefully I’ll get an opportunity to do that.”
Forward Jaime Moreno (10 goals, 6 assists) is the engine of D.C.’s offense, but the complementary play of Adu, Christian Gomez and Alecko Eskandarian allows Moreno to conduct the attack.
Gomez, who is battling his own knee injury, also didn’t start against Los Angeles. His return against Chivas USA on Sunday will also be crucial to turning around United’s latest slump.
“[Adu, Moreno, Gomez and Eskandarian] have been our top goal-scorers and creators this season and when they’re playing well, our team is playing better,” said midfielder Brian Carroll. “But if they’re not, it’s the entire team’s job to pick it up and to get points on the board, to get goals and assists.”
