We just got word from General Manager Dave Kasper that the club has acquired 22-year old Danny Szetela via allocation. The midfielder arrived in D.C. this week and trained with the team for the first time this afternoon. He will not be available for Saturday's match, as we are still awaiting receipt of his International Transfer Certificate.
Szetela originally came to MLS in 2004, joining the Columbus Crew at 17-years old. He played in 34 games (24 starts) over four seasons, before signing with Racing Santander of Spain's La Liga in July of 2008. He did not make a first team appearance for Racing and was then transferred to Brescia Calcio of Italy's Serie B. With Brescia, Szetela played in 26 games, totaling a goal in three assists over two seasons.
The Clifton, NJ native has three caps with the full U.S. Men's National Team, including playing in two World Cup qualifiers last year. His first-ever cap came on Oct. 17, 2007 against Switzerland (he assited on the game's lone goal late).
Szetela also has extensive experience on the youth international level having played with U.S. national teams at the U-14, U-17, U-20 and U-23 levels. He played in the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship at the U-20 level, the 2007 U-20 FIFA World Cup (scoring three goals) and the Bejing 2008 Olympic Games with the U-23s, among others.
It goes without saying, Mr. Szetela has a good bit of experience. Where do you see him fitting in on the team?
Video from Danny's first training session today:
