The New York Cosmos signed onetime U.S. national team midfielder Danny Szetela, a former New Jersey schoolboy star trying to make a comeback.
“This is a great opportunity to join such a historic club and get back in the game,” said Szetela, born in Passaic and raised in Clifton. “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.”
The 26-year-old Szetela turned professional back in 2004, when he inked with the Columbus Crew at just 16. He made 34 appearances for the Crew before making the jump to La Liga’s Racing de Santander. He moved on to Serie B side Brescia Calcio, where he appeared 26 times, before returning stateside with DC United.
His career got derailed in 2011 because of knee injuries, but now he’s making a comeback, and doing it locally with the Cosmos.
“Danny worked very hard in training this whole month and has shown us he is dedicated to getting back on the field,” said Cosmos coach Giovanni Savarese. “He still has lots of skill that can benefit the club and his determination is apparent in every training session.”
The 5-11 midfielder played in the Under-17 and Under-20 World Cups, and the latter alongside Michael Bradley, Jozy Altidore and Robbie Rogers. He earned the first of his three caps for the full U.S. national team, and played in the Beijing Olympics the next year.
The Cosmos also agreed to terms with 24-year-old midfielder Hagop Chirishian.