Freddy Lives!

Just when it looked like Freddy Adu was buried deeper than next year’s crops, he came through with a much-needed big performance for Monaco. He set up their only goal, leading the way for a shootout victory over a star-studded Juventus side.

After being left off the roster for the French Cup game vs. Blagnac, he got his first start since September and made the most of it. At the San Filippo Stadium in Messina, Adu wasn’t fazed by a Juventus lineup that included keeper Gianluigi Buffon, Alessandro Del Piero and Pavel Nedved.

As a matter of fact, he set up Monaco’s lone goal against the run of play in the 35th minute. He made two defenders look silly inside the penalty area, dancing atound them before Nicola Legrottaglie channeled his inner Charles Oakley and just chopped him down. Croat Jerko Leko converted the penalty, and Monaco eventually won 5-4 in PKs.

Adu’s move is at about :50 of this clip:

Adu needed a match like this. Subbed in the 72nd minute, at least he left the pitch with some good vibes. He’d been out of form, and hadn’t been able to get as game; hopefully this is a sign thar 2009 will be better than 2008, especially with World Cup qualifiers coming up and Bob Bradley likely to pick players who are playing regularly.