Freddy Adu was on target from the penalty spot as Real Salt Lake earned an impressive 1-1 draw with South American champion Boca Juniors of Buenos Aires. The 18-year-old started at striker and played 68 minutes despite reports linking him with a move to Portuguese giant Benfica. Apparently, Major League Soccer agreed a $2 million fee with Benfica -- significantly less than the $7.5 million tossed out earlier in the week -- although Adu did not agree to a contract with the Portuguese club.

But that doesn't mean the deal is dead, says the Salt Lake Tribune. After the Boca game, Adu told reporters he couldn't comment on the matter. "I told my agent, just handle everything ... because I don't want it to distract me," he said, adding that he was happy with his form. Adu's.agent, Richard Motzkin, also declined to comment.

In fact, Adu's departure might be the best thing for RSL, the Sale Lake Tribune says. In 11 MLS games this season, Freddy has just one goal and two assists. If he stays and meets certain performance metrics, RSL would have to compensate D.C. United, Adu's former club, with draft picks next season. Should he stay next season, RSL would be forced to hand over its designated player slot as part of the league's decision to exercise a two-year option on his contract. Meanwhile, his departure would clear up $550K in salary cap room. The Tribune says it's for those reasons, you don't see RSL fighting this transfer.

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