Santino Quaranta

Santino Quaranta (born October 14, 1984 in Baltimore, Maryland) is an American soccer player, who currently plays striker for D.C. United of Major League Soccer.

Related Topics:
October 14 - 1984 - Baltimore - Maryland - Soccer - Striker - D.C. United - Major League Soccer

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Quaranta was drafted eighth overall in the 2001 MLS SuperDraft by D.C. United, after having exceptional success with the US U-17 national team academy based in Bradenton, Florida. At 16 years, four months, Quaranta surpassed fellow D.C. player Bobby Convey as the youngest player in the history of MLS, a record which would subsequently be taken by another fellow United player, Freddy Adu. Quaranta immediately excelled in MLS, registering five goals and one assist in just 16 games during the 2001 season. Unfortunately, in the subsequent three seasons, Quaranta has been beset by injuries, and his promise has somewhat faded. Although he started all eleven games he played in during the 2002 season, Quaranta missed almost two-thirds of the season with injuries; things did not improve in 2003, when he only played in 12 games, and have not been much better in 2004, when he only played once. With fitness restored, Quaranta has returned to form in 2005; Santino has netted 5 goals in 16 games played to date (September 16) - presently ranked third highest in the club for goals scored.

Related Topics:
2001 MLS SuperDraft - Academy - Bradenton - Florida - Bobby Convey - Freddy Adu

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Quaranta has played internationally for the Under-17 and Under-20 United States national soccer teams, but while he was dominant for the U-17's, he was not even able to secure a starting place on the U-20's (although he did play in the 2003 World Youth Championship). After finally coming back from injuries in 2005, Quaranta received his first cap for the senior team July 7, 2005 in a Gold Cup match against Cuba.

Related Topics:
United States national soccer teams - World Youth Championship - July 7 - 2005 - Gold Cup - Cuba

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