The New York Cosmos announced today that former U.S. Men’s national team midfielder Danny Szetela has signed with the club.
“This is a great opportunity to join such a historic club and get back in the game,” Szetela said. “I’ve been hungry for the game and I love being back out there everyday. The Cosmos are giving me a chance and I’m grateful to the coaching staff for that. I want to help on the field in any way I can.”
Szetela, 26, turned professional in 2004 when signed with the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer at the age of 16. He made 34 appearances for the Crew before moving abroad to play with Racing de Santander of Spain’s La Liga and Brescia Calcio of Serie B (where he made 26 appearances). After a stint at DC United, Szetela stepped away from soccer in 2011 due to injuries.
“Danny worked very hard in training this whole month and has shown us he is dedicated to getting back on the field,” Cosmos head coach Giovanni Savarese said. “He still has lots of skill that can benefit the club and his determination is apparent in every training session.”
The 5’11” midfielder from Passaic, NJ had a successful career with U.S. national teams at every level. He was a member of USSF’s Bradenton Academy and represented the United States at the 2003 Under-17 World Cup. In 2007, Szetela was a key figure on the U.S. U-20 national team that made it to the quarterfinals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup, alongside future national team players such as Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore and Robbie Rogers. Also in 2007, he earned the first of his three caps for the full U.S. men’s national team. He also played for the United States at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The Cosmos also agreed to terms with 24-year-old midfielder Hagop Chirishian, increasing the roster to 22 players under contract. Chirishian spent his last two seasons playing for USL sides Wilmington Hammerheads and Ventura County Fusion.
