Thep38lightning (May 6, 2008 at 3:27 pm)

good info mate, Adu is one of my favorite USA based players next to Donovan, but good to know. He has a great future ahead of him

duffdodge (May 6, 2008 at 7:11 am)

btw, you replied to my post concerning major league BASEBALL and not major league soccer. but again, for the most part, no clubs in any american sports sign players prior to college (basketball and american football actually instituted rules to disallow young players from being drafted straight from high school thus forcing them to attend college at least temporarily). baseball has no such rule but young players almost universally are sent to the minor leagues in lieu of straight to the majors.

duffdodge (May 6, 2008 at 7:05 am)

yes, adu was playing with dc united early but that does not discount my point because adu never went to college. he made his pro debut at 14 and thus lost any college eligibility. in fact, he was a member of project-40 / generation adidas. it's a program mls developed for the most elite young stateside soccer players. basically, they join the program (thus turning pro and losing college eligibility) but if their career doesnt pan out then mls will pay for their college tuition.

Thep38lightning (May 5, 2008 at 1:57 pm)

these 2 have become like Steven Gerarrd and Fernando Torres when it comes to collaboration. They compliment each other so well. They know each others thoughts.

Thep38lightning (May 5, 2008 at 1:54 pm)

ok then how is it that Freddy Adu was playing for DC United at such a young age and i'm pretty sure he hasn't finished college either

duffdodge (April 20, 2008 at 8:27 am)

In MLB, the draft actually goes hand in hand with their farm teams. Most (if not all) college players drafted by major league teams are then allocated to their minor league affiliates to get experience. You don't see kids signing with major league clubs at 13,14,15 years old like European soccer clubs. That is the major difference in the youth systems in the states and elsewhere. There really is no club youth system in the US - in any sport. Like you said, that is starting to change with soccer.

unak78 (April 19, 2008 at 8:28 am)

The clubs have all started youth academies in the last year or so which should start producing talent in a few years. It will be interesting what role the draft will play when that happens. MLB still has a draft, but it clearly rides back burner to thier farm systems.

chicagoguy1978 (April 9, 2008 at 4:44 pm)

Two great goals from two great international soccer players. Props to Donovan and Beckham.

cupolove1 (April 7, 2008 at 6:43 pm)

NO ... actually we are BOTH wrong. i just verified it. Landon Timothy Donovan (born March 4, 1982 in Ontario, California)He is actually only 26!!!! and he's not lying about his age either... for everyone who loves those ridiculous arguments

behbehtoy (April 7, 2008 at 9:35 am)

lol you wait long long