Freddy Adu's Gold Cup is over. As part of what Bob Bradley called "the arrangement from the start", Adu is heading to Portugal to participate in pre-season training with Benfica.

Adu himself had indicated that he hoped that his Gold Cup performance would lead to playing time in Europe; he clearly played uneven, inconsistent football during his two matches, though he scored and play reasonably well against Grenada.

Ending his national team duties for now is probably the best thing for the youngster. After not seeing the field in the Confederations Cup and showing signs of rust in the Gold Cup, it's more important that Benfica's coaching staff get a chance to put him through the paces than for him to play more games against CONCACAF competition. If those in charge at Benfica are going to be swayed towards playing Adu, he needs to be top of mind and in front of them showing what he can do.

As always, we have to keep in mind that Adu is only 20; while he desperately needs regular time with his club team, the clock hasn't quite run out on him. Hopefully returning to Benfica after his worthless stay in Monaco will give him that chance. The Portugal club do have an investment in him, of course, and if there are no takers in the transfer market, they have motivation to get the most out of him.

It's obvious from Bob Bradley's words that Freddy is going to have to improve in several areas if he is going to be part of the USMNT heading into 2010. While fans and observers have called for Adu to play a larger role due to his creative abilities, it seems that Bradley wants more two-way play out of him. If his return to Benfica can lead to a stronger player with more defensive commitment, perhaps we'll see Freddy finally fulfill some of his promise.

As of now, simply from what I've heard out of Bob Bradley and seen on the field, I expect Adu will not be on many rosters for the rest of the year. I believe he still should be, and is a dangerous option off of the bench at the least; but interpreting the words of those in charge leads me to believe that as long as Adu is not playing regularly with his club (and it remains to be seen if that will change) and exhibiting increased defensive abilities while doing so, he won't be in Bradley's plans.