Adu Gives Quick Lift to U.S. in a 1-0 Win
Freddy Adu took about 60 seconds to release his pent-up frustration Saturday, coming on as a second-half substitute for the United States and igniting his team with a move that created the only goal in a 1-0 win over Egypt at Enschede, Netherlands.
The victory gave the Americans first place in Group D of the World Youth Championship and a spot in the second round, where they will face Italy.
Adu, 16, was rested in the first half but came on in the 55th minute. He got free near the goal and watched as his deflected shot went to teammate Jacob Peterson, who easily scored with a header.
“That’s what you are put in the game for, right?” Adu said. “The game wasn’t going too well, to be honest. There were chances we weren’t finishing, and my goal was to create something, make something happen. I did just that and we won the game.”
Egypt was eliminated after the loss; Argentina and Germany advanced. The Argentines topped Germany, 1-0, in the other group match. The United States, which has not given up a goal in the tournament, finished with seven points in group play after beating Argentina and getting a draw with Germany.
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Germany and Argentina advanced to the semifinals of the Confederations Cup at Frankfurt, Germany.
Germany defeated Tunisia, 3-0, on a 74th-minute penalty by Michael Ballack and late goals from Bastian Schweinsteiger and substitute Mike Hanke.
In the other Group A game, Argentina topped Australia, 4-2.
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Two of Africa’s World Cup participants from three years ago, Nigeria and Senegal, were held to disappointing draws in qualifying.
Senegal, which reached the quarterfinals at the 2002 World Cup, was held to 2-2 by Togo in Group 1. Nigeria drew its second straight match in Group 4, this time being held to 1-1 by Angola.
Also, Ghana beat South Africa, 2-0, to move into a first-place tie in Group 2.
Tennis
Kim Clijsters defeated Russian qualifier Vera Douchevina, 7-5, 6-0, at the Eastbourne tournament in England for her third title of the year.
Richard Gasquet won his first ATP Tour title with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Max Mirnyi in the 10tele.com Open at Nottingham, England.
Klara Koukalova defeated Lucie Safarova, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2, in the Ordina Open at Den Bosch, Netherlands, to win her first WTA championship.
On the men’s side, Michael Llodra beat Mark Philippoussis, 7-6 (2), 6-7 (5), 6-3, to set up a final with Mario Ancic, who beat Jan Hernych, 6-4, 6-4.
Hockey
The Mighty Ducks’ new ownership brought in about 50 new employees to work in sales and marketing and laid off four people in the sales, marketing and community development departments.
The staff had been trimmed to 40 employees after the lockout began. Henry and Susan Samueli assumed ownership this week, but the new employees had been hired before the NHL unanimously approved the sale.
Pro Football
The Kansas City Chiefs signed wide receiver Freddie Mitchell a month after the Philadelphia Eagles released him.
Miscellany
Antonio Tarver won the International Boxing Organization’s light-heavyweight title at Memphis, Tenn., unanimously outpointing Glen Johnson to avenge a split decision six months ago.
Homer High’s national record prep baseball winning streak was stopped at 75 games in a 7-6 loss to Saginaw Nouvel in the state Division 3 final at Battle Creek, Mich.
Raquel Alotis, who guided Chatsworth to the City Section championship game in girls’ basketball last season, has resigned to become the coach at West Valley League rival Woodland Hills El Camino Real.
Anne St. Geme’s 1,600 meter leg of 4:49.5 anchored Corona del Mar High’s rally to win the girls’ distance medley relay at the Nike Outdoor Nationals at Greensboro, N.C.
