WASHINGTON - Freddy Adu became the youngest athlete in a major American league in more than 100 years Saturday, entering the game in the 61st minute of D.C. United's 2-1 victory over San Jose in the MLS season opener.
Adu is the youngest person to play for a major American team since Fred Chapman, 14, played for Philadelphia of baseball's American Association in 1887.
Adu, 14, ran onto the field to thunderous cheers, chants of "Freddy, Freddy!" and popping flashbulbs at RFK Stadium.
"When I got out there, I just felt I was a step slower than normal," Adu said. "But that was probably because of the whole atmosphere. I didn't get as much (playing time) as I'd like, but I got it out of the way, and now I'm ready to go."
Adu took no shots and got few touches in open space. In the 84th minute, he went one-on-one with longtime U.S. national team defender Jeff Agoos. Agoos held his ground, and Adu flopped to the turf at the edge of the penalty box, pleading for a foul.
MORE MLS: John Wolyniec scored the go-ahead goal in the 52nd minute to lead the visiting MetroStars over Columbus 3-1. Bobby Rhine's penalty kick in the 76th minute gave host Dallas a 1-1 tie against Colorado. Tony Meola recorded his league-record 45th shutout for host Kansas City in a scoreless tie with Chicago.
OLYMPICS: 400 shot for Thorpe?
Australian swimmer Craig Stevens said he will consider stepping aside to allow world-record holder Ian Thorpe to compete in the 400-meter freestyle in Athens. Thorpe was disqualified in the trials after falling off the starting blocks in a preliminary heat.
MARATHON: Colleen DeReuck, who represented South Africa three times but became a U.S. citizen in December 2000, qualified for Athens by winning the trial in St. Louis. She finished in 2:28:25, 1:03 faster than Deena Kastor. Jen Rhines also qualified by finishing third.
KAYAK: Rebecca Giddens overcame a slow first run to win the women's trials in South Bend, Ind. Giddens' combined time of 236.07 seconds beat Sarah Leith by 11.22 seconds. Scott Parsons was the top man, finishing in 210.28, .12 seconds faster than Brett Heyl. Scott McCleskey and Dave Hepp were fastest in the tandem. Ryan Bahn was fastest in the single canoe, beating Austin Crane and two-time national champion Sam Davis. Paddlers' two best scores will be used to determine qualifiers. The final runs are today.
HOCKEY: U.S. beats Canada
Krissy Wendell and Tricia Dunn scored power-play goals to help the United States hand Canada its first loss at the women's world championship 3-1. Canada, 37-1 overall, must beat Sweden today to earn a rematch with the United States in Tuesday's gold-medal game.
TENNIS: Swedes lose player
Joachim Johansson will miss Sweden's Davis Cup match against the United States, which starts Thursday, because of a strained shoulder. He likely will be replaced by Thomas Johansson.
ET CETERA
RUNNING: Jim Burgasser of St. Petersburg won the Esquire Flyer 5K in Gulfport in 17:14. Ian Payne of Tierra Verde took second in 17:29. Boston Marathon-bound Mary Ann Protz, 47, was the first woman and third overall among 95 runners in 18:25. Laura Schute (20:02) of St. Petersburg was second.
BOXING: Sharmba Mitchell knocked down Mike Stewart three times and retained his interim IBF junior welterweight title by unanimous decision in Manchester, England.
TRACK: Maurice Greene returned from a strained hamstring, but his team took second in the 400-meter relay at the Texas Relays in Austin. Ato Boldon flubbed the pass to Greene, and USA Red anchor J.J. Johnson edged Greene.
