Freddy Adu, Landon Donovan named to U.S. nat’l soccer team

Freddy Adu, Landon Donovan named to U.S. nat’l soccer team
Freddy Adu of USA celebrates after scoring a goal against Grenada during the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup game in Seattle, WA Getty/Otto Greule Jr
Freddy Adu, Landon Donovan named to U.S. nat’l soccer team
Freddy Adu of USA celebrates after scoring a goal against Grenada during the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup game in Seattle, WA Getty/Otto Greule Jr

Freddy Adu, Landon Donovan named to U.S. nat’l soccer team

WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information. Sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date on the stories that matter.

Freddy Adu has been selected to the U.S. roster for next month’s Gold Cup as well as a June 4 exhibition against World Cup champion Spain, the first time in two years he’s been selected. 

USA Soccer, the Chicago-based organization that serves as the national governing body for the sport, made the announcement on Monday.

The 21-year-old midfielder has struggled to fulfill the potential he showed when he joined D.C. United at age 14, being left off the World Cup team last summer. But he’s gotten regular playing time at Rizespor in Turkey.

U.S. coach Bob Bradley’s 23-man roster is heavy on veterans, including Landon Donovan, Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard, Jozy Altidore and captain Carlos Bocanegra.

He also chose up-and-comers Juan Agudelo, Eric Lichaj and Tim Ream for the all-important Gold Cup, soccer’s championship of North and Central America and the Caribbean.

The Americans open group play against Canada on June 7 in Detroit.