Adu makes Union debut, still needs ‘game fitness’

Ever since Freddy Adu entered Major League Soccer as a 14-year-old phenom with DC United, he has created a buzz.

Eight years later, the buzz is still there as dozens of Union fans were already donning his jersey, just 24 hours after he signed with the club.

Adu got the start and played more than 60 minutes in his Philly debut, a 2-2 tie vs. FC Dallas this past Saturday at PPL Park.

“We gave him a start and it was important for us not to push the envelope too much,” Union manager Peter Nowak said. “You can see he still needs the game fitness. I think he understood the concept of the 60 minutes he played. We have to figure out the tactical part, we have to see where he fits in our system. For the first time, it was good to have him.”

Adu hasn’t been a part of MLS since 2007, when he was with Real Salt Lake.

“I was excited to have the fans chanting and cheering for me,” said Adu, who has 12 career MLS goals. “This fan base is incredible. I’m looking forward to the rest of the games this season and helping the Union win matches. I’m just so happy to be back in MLS.”