Hudson dismissed as United coach

WASHINGTON (AP) -- D.C. United has landed Freddy Adu. Now they just need someone to coach him.

United announced Monday they will not pick up the option on coach Ray Hudson's contract, dismissing the colorful Englishman after two seasons and a 19-25-14 record.

"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 had said he wanted to return after leading United to the playoffs for the first time in four years. But the team barely qualified and was eliminated by a pair of 2-0 shutouts against Chicago in the first round.

Whoever replaces Hudson will have the task of nurturing the talent of Adu, the 14-year-old prodigy who will join United next season as the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Adu recently announced his intentions to join MLS, provided he could play for United and live with his family in Maryland.