Danny Szetela: Bring another SoccerBowl to Long Island

King Daniel I being crowned by Ceasar Raul himself. 

Danny, last time we spoke you had just become a double NASL champion with the Cosmos. A lot has happened since then. For example not everyone knows that in that championship game vs Ottawa you played with a broken toe, which required how many months of treatment?

They love Danny and they love the Beard in LI!

Danny Szetela: Yes, I broke my toe in a semifinal game, but you know me, I play hard and missing the final was not an option. The recovery took a long time mainly because I... let it heal on its own. It took about six weeks, so most of the offseason. And as soon as I thought it was all over and I started playing well again I fractured my ankle in a friendly game vs San Jose. This knocked me out of commission for another few weeks. After that I had to wait for my chance to make it back to starting XI because Michael Lahoud was playing really well in my spot and Gio did not want to change the line up.

But once Philadelphia Union's owned Lahoud went to Miami FC Gio did put you back on the field and your return was with a bang. In your last home game of the Spring season vs Rayo you scored the lone goal that might end up as a decisive strike in terms of earning you guys another title. I watched your awesome goal celebration - how sweet was that feeling?

DS: Any time you score the feeling is great. I don't often find myself on the scoring sheet - as my responsibilities are to keep our team in control and keeping the other team from scoring - but when I can contribute by putting the ball in the net it really is amazing. My celebration was expressive, because I love being on the field, playing 90 minutes and contributing to team's success. To think that this goal might give us another trophy is just extra added bonus.

The title race could have been decided last weekend, but despite a perfect record at home for the Cosmos the Spring crown is still up for grabs, mostly because of the late meltdowns in away encounters. You guys are an experienced side: why were there so many of them?

DS: I don't really know, but you are absolutely correct. We do have the experience and it should not have happened. For whatever reason we did give up those late goals at Indy and Minnesota and now not everything is in our control. Let's hope that these lost points are not going to hurt us and that we will get better at managing the game and playing with the lead.

The NASL feels different this year. Two former champs dropped out due to their MLS bids, two newbies took their spots. What does it mean for the league?

DS: Of course it's unfortunate that two really good teams dropped out, because for us games vs San Antonio and Atlanta were always exciting and competitive. But both Rayo OKC and Miami did a good job filling their shoes. Especially Oklahoma City, which has a very solid roster with a lot of great players. All they need to work on is the chemistry. And don't forget that we have another team joining us in the Fall - Puerto Rico FC owned by Carmelo Anthony. I think that shows that the league is making the right strides and gets better and stronger every year.

Still two great teams leaving one league to join another has to have an impact on the level of play and give the commissioner something to think about. One thing that could provide a solution would be a promotion-relegation system. You've played in such in Europe. Are you in favor or against? Or do you like the NASL as a separate, independent entity?

DS: I am in favor of a promotion/relegation for at least a few reasons. First, in such system every game counts and hence gets more competitive. I remember in Italy playing for Brescia in Serie B all we wanted was to get back to Serie A, where teams make more money and - once again - there's better competition. As players that's ultimately what we want: to play against the best, to prove that we belong there and to grow. And that's very important not only for the leagues in the US, but also for the national team as well.

Not only the league is different, but so is your team with no Senna, no Raul to carry you on their backs. Does Cosmos need superstars or is it actually better without them?

DS: I can only say the best things about both Marcos and Raul as they played a major role in our run for 2013 and 2015 titles. But they are not here anymore and if you watch us play it still is great soccer. We enjoy having possession, we are explosive at home. At the end of the day we realize that cannot rely on superstars to lift us up, but we need to have all 11 players show up. And it has been happening. It's really exciting to see this team still growing. I hope we can win the Spring title and build on it. And than try to bring a third SoccerBowl to Long Island.

Speaking of superstars next week you will face Pirlo, Lampard, Villa and the rest of the NYC FC in a IVth round US Open Cup game. It will be played two days before your 29th birthday. Another goal, another celebration, another victory?

DS: Yeah, I hope so! It definitely will be a tough one, as they are a different team than last year and we are going to play them in the Bronx. Their stars in the past have been ranked among the best in the World and are still very competitive, but on that day it will be a battle of two teams playing a similar style of soccer. I feel confident that we can beat another MLS team in another NY rivalry. It'd be great birthday present for me and the fans, who would get to see us at home in the next round.

At 29 you're reaching a perfect age for one more move to a better club. I know you had some offers from Europe last year, but was there any interest from the MLS teams?

DS: According to my agent there's always some interest, but to be honest I see myself retiring with the Cosmos. They gave me the opportunity to re-launch my career and I want to continue to pay them back and help them grow. I am very happy here. It's a great group of guys both from the playing and coaching perspective.

But, let's just say a top team in England or an MLS contender is after you - would you consider it?

DS: Perhaps, but I'd have to sit down with my agent and the coaching staff to determine what's better for me to do. Right now I am here focusing on this season. I want to give our fans a deep run in the US Open Cup and a chance at winning another championship.

From Europe or the MLS you'd have a straighter path to the US national team. In a win against Costarica it featured a 35-year old Jones and a year younger Beckerman next to Bradley. You used to be Michael's partner. Do you catch yourself thinking: "it still should be me" and do you think such a move to Europe or MLS would help you?

DS: Getting back to the USMNT is my goal. But I also believe that if I stay healthy and play well, Klinsmann and his staff will notice me whether I play in Europe, MLS or Cosmos. The bottom line is your shape and it's true not just for myself, but for everyone. If I meet that criteria who knows what can happen. I am not too old for that opportunity to come again.

One player made the US-Europe move in the offseason. Matt Miazga went to England and is now at Chelsea. Was this move good for him and the US soccer in general?

DS: Yeah, it was a great move, because it shows that young, talented players from our domestic leagues can earn a contract abroad in a big club! Matt went to Chelsea and even if he is not getting a lot of playing time right now, he's gaining a tremendous experience by being around some of the best players in the world. The opportunity for him to make his way into the line up will come, all he has to do is work hard and be focused on soccer. I've been there myself and from the experience I can tell that there's a lot of things that can get you sidetracked. I know that Matt doesn't have to worry about it, but my advice to all young players is to stay focused and listen to the guys around you. It will help you develop faster and smoother.

Time for a USMNT prediction: how will Bradley and Co. do in regards to Copa? Do you see them finishing in top 4?

DS: The Copa is one of the toughest FIFA tournaments in the world. South American teams for years have been producing top players, hence it's difficult to play against them. But I think if the US can come second in their group, they can make it to the semis. It's possible for them to shock the world and beat Brazil in the quarterfinal, because they proved that they play really well against the top teams in the world. I don't see them winning the tournament though. This will be decided amongst Uruguay, Mexico or Argentina, which plays great despite Messi not being available.

One last prediction - since you are of Polish descent - will you watch Poland's games at Euro? How will they do in that tournament?

DS: I think Poland has a good, young team, which can make a deep run in France. The key is to keep their best scorer and player Lewandowski healthy. They have a tough group, but I could see them coming out of it even as a first place team. They can go far unless they get to face the hosts, which also have a good young team. I think the French will win it all.