MLS: U-17 phenoms signed to Project-40

MLS has signed U.S. under-17 national team prodigies Edward Johnson and Santino Quaranta to Project-40 contracts. The pair of attackers are currently among the 20 players in residency with the U-17’s in Bradenton, Fla., but will report to Ft. Lauderdale in early February where they will be eligible for the 2001 MLS SuperDraft on Feb. 5. At the age of 16 years and four months, Quaranta is the youngest player ever to sign with MLS, just nipping D.C. United’s Bobby Convey, who signed with MLS at 16 years and eight months. Johnson and Quaranta, who will both turn 17 this year, combined to score 55 goals for the U-17’s last year, while appearing in 52 and 51 matches, respectively. The dynamic duo will be watched closely as the U-17’s attempt to qualify for the 2001 FIFA U-17 World Youth Led by Head Coach John Ellinger, the U-17’s played an aggressive 56-game schedule in 2000, compiling a record of 35-14-7. In 12 full international matches, the team went 5-4-3, competing against the likes of Italy, Germany, England, Holland, Mexico and Argentina. According to Ellinger, the scoring exploits of Johnson and Quaranta were a key to the team’s success. “Edward possesses all the tools,” said Ellinger. “He is technically sound, has break away speed, is good in the air, and plays well with his back to the goal or the ball at his feet. ôSantino is superb technically and plays with a lot of pace. He has a strong work ethic on and off the ball, ” Ellinger added. “Both of them are extremely strong finishers.” A native of Palm Coast, Fla., Johnson led the U-17’s in scoring last year, registering 85 points on 33 goals and 19 assists in 52 games. In addition to being the team’s leading goalscorer, he was second in assists. At 6-2, 170, he reportedly had also drawn interest from Juventus of Italy’s Serie A and some top Portuguese clubs. “Eddie is one of the outstanding young goalscorers in our country,” said U.S. men’s national team coach Bruce Arena. “His decision to enter the professional ranks at this time should accelerate his development as a player.” Quaranta, who measures 6-foot, 165 pounds, led the U-17’s in assists with 22 and finished second to Johnson in goals with 23. At the Mundialito of Salerno Tournament in Italy this past summer, he won the competition’s Golden Boot award as the top goalscorer. Highlighting that performance was a two-goal effort during a 3-1 win over Germany. The Baltimore, Md., native finished the tournament, which featured Italy, France, Argentina and Brazil, with three goals. “Santino is at his best when he’s running at opponents, said Ellinger. “With the exception of his size, he’s very similar to Landon Donovan.” 2001 Project-40 Roster (as of Jan. 25)