Very positive interview by John Diceson at United Mania with the kid. Seems like he'll be back playing United games before the season's end which is way before most folks had pegged his return time and in plenty of time for him to get involved with the U-20's. The interview is a little below the top: http://unitedmania.mlsfansites.com/...83&PHPSESSID=cf5fe2188cea8c898d2e2411a7c73d48
That's very good news for the 20s. With United's season all but over, I really don't care if he plays for them again. But, his availability for the 20s is much more important as his presence turns them from a good to a very dangerous side. I'm sure Rongen is breathing a deep sigh of relief - as deep as his cigarette-tarred lungs will allow - knowing that Tino will be available.
Sandon - you're tough... the U-20's were the leading scorers and lost 2 games on 2 goals differential in Spain, but they're just "good"? Also, is it clear that Tino (or Bobby) fits in well with the chemistry of the team from Spain?
I probably will call them very good instead of good. We lost to an older Brazil team with Caca there. About if the Tino or Bobby fits in well with chemistry of the team, Tino and Bobby played two years together in same club team, and Tino and E.J. is a good pair on-off filed like Landon and DMB.
Many of those players are from the last U-17 squad, so Santino will fit in without any difficulty. Convey is probably the most polished player on the team, and I doubt he'll have much of an adjustment, particularly when playing with Santino and Mapp who also play at DC United with Convey. The only chemistry that Convey needs to hone would be with Johnson, Barclay and Magee. -Tron
Santino was messing around in sweats and sneakers pre-game and at halftime last night. Good to see him back out there during his rehab. BTW, he has blonde hair at the moment.
I also heard that his recupperation has gone well and he's ahead of schedule. He might even see time this regular season. If United makes the playoffs he's almost assured of playing. I just hope he doesn't return too soon and risk injury. To me, his most important games will be with Rongen's & Dir's U-20 team qualifying at Blackbaud Stadium (home of the A-League's Charlston Battery) in South Carolina. -Tron