Thoughts On The "Real Santi"

I've been thinking a lot about Santino Quaranta's return to the National team and how special it was for him to play at RFK on Wednesday night. For those of you who don't know, Oh Danny Boy alluded to some addictions that he's dealt with in the past, so here's a little rundown on his career.

Santino was a member of the U-17 youth national team that trained full time at the IMG Soccer Academy in Bradenton, FL. He was then drafted by DC United in 2001 at the age of 16 years and 4 months, the youngest player ever drafted at the time. He had a break out rookie season scoring 5 goals, recording 1 assist and was also an MLS All-Star. The next three seasons, he struggled with injuries and was never able to replicate the performance of his rookie season. The injury bug was the start of him becoming addicted to painkillers which led to harder drugs and harder times. You need to read the full story here in an exceptional piece written by Steven Goff. The end of 2007 left Santino with out a team and asking United to give him another chance. With strict guidelines they brought the once promising midfielder back to his original team. The past two years have been nice to see "Tino" regain his form, causing many fans and journalists to plead with Bob Bradley for his inclusion in the US squad. His game winning goal on Wednesday night in front of the United faithful is what movies are made of. If only the producers of Goal would have waited for the story of the "Real Santi", a true story of promise, struggle and a rise from the ashes to victory.

Here is his press conference from Wednesday night. Courtesy of Behind The Badge

Photo: (Pablo Martinez Monsivais -- Associated Press)

Road to Redemption

Some how I feel I should take credit for Santino being put in the US line up... Of course I'm kidding. It was great to see him back in the mix and even more amazing was to see him score a great goal thanks to the feed by Charlie Davies. I will admit, I was extremely happy for him as I started jumping up and down and cheering his name. I just know what this probably meant for him. Not to many people have success stories when they claw their way back from addictions, Santino is one of few that looks to be taking his 2nd chance and going the distance. Oh by the way, the Nats went on to win 2-0 versus Honduras to put themselves in top spot of their group. Well done boys, well done.

Concacaf Gold Cup Roster

The roster:
Goalkeepers: Jon Busch (Chicago Fire), Troy Perkins (IK Start, Norway), Luis Robles (Kaiserslautern, Germany)

Defenders: Steve Cherundolo (Hannover, Germany), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City), Clarence Goodson (IK Start, Norway), Jay Heaps (New England), Chad Marshall (Columbus), Michael Parkhurst (Nordsjaellands, Denmark), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock, Germany)

Midfielders: Davy Arnaud (Kansas City), Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Colin Clark (Colorado), Sam Cronin (Toronto), Brad Evans (Seattle), Stuart Holden (Houston), Logan Pause (Chicago), Robbie Rogers (Columbus)

Forwards: Freddy Adu (AS Monaco), Brian Ching (Houston), Kenny Cooper (Dallas), Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF, Sweden), Santino Quaranta (D.C.)

A little surprised by the call ups? I think Bob Bradley might be reading our blog, I see a certain Mr. Quaranta being called up. Good for him, I hope his rise continues. How do you think we will fair? Do you see a potential Copa America tragedy?

Why not?

Not since 1998 have I seen a U.S. Team look so dismal, heartless, passionless and with no interest in what they are representing. This team needs a big shake up and the U.S. needs to start looking at players that are in form. After watching Santino Quaranta and Edson Buddle lately, I'm starting to wonder... Would it really be that bad to call these guys into training camp and see what they can provide? Worse case scenario, is that they would be just as useless as Dempsey, Beasley, Altidore and Mastroeni. I know BB is bringing in young guys to training camp for the Gold Cup, but would it be that big of a mistake to bring in 2 guys that have fallen from the National Team graces? I don't know what the right answer is for the USMNT, but I know these 2 boys deserve at least a consideration, if not a call into camp. I also, need to see something from the powers that be that it's serious in making the right moves to improve and finally show we are a great soccer nation. Am I out of line in thinking Santino and Edson should deserve a call? Do you agree in shaking things up? What players do you think should be called in that's not currently on the team or in camp?