SZETELA SIGNS CONTRACT EXTENSION

NEW YORK – The New York Cosmos announced today that midfielder Danny Szetela has signed a contract extension with the team. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Szetela, 30, has been a regular starter in the central midfield for the NASL team making over 100 appearances in five seasons. A stalwart in defense and a leader off the field for the senior team, Szetela is the first player signed by new Cosmos B Head Coach, Carlos Mendes.

“Danny is a high character guy and a great teammate,” said Mendes. “We’ve been through a lot of battles together over the years and I think it’s important to have an experienced guy like Danny captain this team.”

“It’s been a difficult time for the players and the fans,” added Szetela. “I love this club and I’m happy to be back. We don’t know what the future holds, but I’m going to do whatever I can to help Carlos and the Cosmos be successful.”

A native of Clifton, NJ, Szetela joined the Cosmos in July 2013 after a two-year hiatus away from the game through injuries. Szetela turned professional in 2004 when he 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.

Szetela has also represented the United States national team at every level. He was a member of the USSF’s Bradenton Academy and represented the U.S. 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 and Jozy Altidore. He also earned the first of his three caps for the full U.S. men’s national team in 2007 and played for the U.S. at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

“I’ve said it a lot over the last five or six years, the Cosmos gave me a chance to play again,” said Szetela. “I’m thankful for that and I hope to help us win an NPSL Championship.”