>> Although it’s (finally) playoff time in MLS, most of the discussion around DC United centers around 16-year-old Freddy Adu. Last week he complained publicly about his playing time, or perceived lack of it. The next day, Adu met with team officials in an effort to clear the air, but apparently he did not apologize, so he was suspended for United’s playoff game on Friday against the Chicago Fire, which ended in a listless 0-0 draw. And while all this was going on, word came down that Adu will likely get an invite in January to try out for the US Men’s World Cup team. During his tirade last week, Adu cited his lack of playing time and how it was hurting his World Cup chances as one of his biggest complaints about his current situation with United, so now that his fears have been proven wrong, will Adu apoligze and be on the field for Game 2 of United’s playoff series with Chicago? The game is Sunday at 4:30 p.m. at RFK, with the winner advancing on to the next round of the MLS playoffs. If you can’t make it down to the stadium, ESPN2 will televise the action.
>> The Capitals were handed their first shutout loss of the season on Saturday night at the MCI Center, as the Carolina Hurricanes scored three powerplay goals en route to a 4-0 win. Carolina had 12 powerplay opportunites and outshot the Caps 41-18. Although the Hurricanes also held rookie Alex Ovechkin without a point for the first time this season, Ovechkin has been as good as advertised. Through his first eight games, Ovechkin leads all rookies in points (10), goals and shots. His six goals were tied for third in the NHL and he was also third in the league in total shots with 38. Not too shabby.
>> The Wizards have spent most of their preseason on the road and play their last preseaon contest on Friday in Indiana against the Pacers. The team suffered a six point loss on Friday to the Denver Nuggets and fell 75-71 to the Houston Rockets last night. All Stars Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison sat out the Houston game with assorted injuries, so don’t look into those scores too much. Caron Butler scored 22 points last night and Chucky Atkins added 19 — those new additions Ernie Grunfeld brought in are making him look good so far. The NBA season begins in earnest next week and DCist couldn’t be more excited.
>> The Gibbskins routed the San Francisco 49ers 52-17. More on that later.
