Adu debuts in USA youth victory

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Dec. 5 (UPI) -- Teen phenom Freddy Adu made his first start Friday at the World Youth Championship as the United States won Group F.

The American team clinched first place in the group with a 2-0 victory over South Korea.

Adu, the 14-year-old prodigy who recently signed a pro contract to play with D.C. United in the MLS, played 69 minutes. He switched from left midfield to the right side midway through the first half.

Adu was a late addition to the 20-man roster, replacing injured San Jose Earthquake Arturo Alvarez.

Eddie Johnson converted two penalty kicks early in the first half for the Americans (2-1), who next face the Ivory Coast on Monday in the round of 16.

South Korea also advanced out of the group on goal differential, edging Germany.