Coach Hudson dumped by D.C. United
WASHINGTON -- Major League Soccer's D.C. United have parted company with English coach Ray Hudson.
Hudson, who had been in charge for two years, led D.C. to their first playoff appearance in four years last season, although they were eliminated in the first round by Chicago.
"While the team did achieve moderate success under his guidance, we felt that a change was necessary to move the team forward," general manager Stephen Zack said.
Hudson's successor will have the job of launching American teenage soccer prodigy Freddy Adu's professional career.
The 14-year-old, whose skills have been compared to those of Brazilian legend Pele, joined D.C. last month as the top pick in the MLS draft.
Hudson was a player with English side Newcastle United before moving to the U.S. to play for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers of the North American Soccer League in 1977.
Prior to joining D.C. in 2001, he coached the now-defunct Miami Fusion.
