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Jed Boal ReportingThe same day ReAL Salt Lake disclosed its long-awaited financial reports, the team landed one of the biggest names in pro soccer-- Freddy Adu.
He's a teenage sensation. And he arrived at Salt Lake International Monday night.
ReAL Salt Lake set out to prove it has the capital to succeed with a stadium in Sandy. The team ended up stealing a shooting star from the nation's capitol.
Serious soccer fans know all about Freddy Adu and his skills with a soccer ball. Even casual sports fans have heard his name and could probably tell you he's a teen soccer phenom.
Three years ago, at the age of 14, Adu became the youngest professional in modern American team sports history when he signed a professional contract with DC United of Major League Soccer.
Now, he plans to help RSL make it to the play-offs.
On the business side, RSL gave the county, Sandy City and major media outlets access to their financial statements and business plan.
All of it was requested by Salt Lake County officials who want to make sure RSL has the capital to succeed with its stadium plan in Sandy.
They'll take about a month to study the numbers. The team said it wanted to be transparent. So, this is also pretty clear-- the team expects Adu will boost attendance and support for the stadium.
Adu's stated goal is to play for a European team, and he becomes eligible once he turns 18 in June. But tonight Adu says he's excited about playing for ReAL. Adu has a contract to play here for a year, and ReAL hopes to entice him to stay longer.
