A 14-year-old phenom and a gutty young goalkeeper are the first winners of the NSCAA/adidas Youth National Players of the Year.
Soccer prodigy Freddy Adu, a professional at the age of 14, claimed the boys award, while goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris, who posted a shutout in the championship game of the U-19 Women's World Championship, earned the girls award.
Youth Boys – Freddy Adu, Potomac, Md.
Adu is the first player to win the NSCAA/adidas Boys Youth National Player of the Year award. At the age of 14, he already has found a place at center stage of the American soccer scene, and his performance this season backs up the international “buzz” about his potential. He led the U.S. Men’s U-17 National Team with 23 goals and 14 assists, including a team-high 13 against international competition. He opened the U-17 World Championships with a hat trick in a 6-1 victory over Korea, ending the tournament second among goal-scorers. A member of U.S. Soccer’s full-time Residency Program, he also saw time with the U.S. Men’s U-20 National Team at their World Championships in the United Arab Emirates, where he played in one match. Adu added to his legend by becoming the youngest player to sign with Major League soccer. He is slated to be the No. 1 pick of D.C. United at the MLS SuperDraft, to be held Jan. 16 as part of the NSCAA Convention in Charlotte, N.C.
Youth Girls Player of the Year – Ashlyn Harris Satellite Beach, Fla.
A goalkeeper, Harris is the recipient of the inaugural NSCAA/adidas Youth Girls National Player of the Year award. Things have come full-circle for Harris, who grew up playing club soccer against boys until she was 14 years old. After playing a year with the Indiatlantic Force, she chose to forego her senior season of to train with boys high school and club teams.
At the age of 16, she was the youngest member of the U.S. Women’s U-19 National Team that claimed the 2002 world title. No stranger to large crowds, she played every minute of the tournament, including the thrilling 1-0 overtime win over host Canada before 50,000 fans at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium.
With 23 full U-19 matches to her credit, she has a record of 17-2-1. She also was a member of the U.S. Women’s U-21 team that won the Nordic Cup. She played in two of the four matches, including the championship game, a 2-1 victory over Sweden. She will attend the University of North Carolina.
The two will be honored at the All-America Luncheon, to be held on Jan. 17, 2004, at the NSCAA Convention.
