Had Danny Cruz attended high school in a different state, he may never have made it to Major League Soccer. But at Ironwood High School in Glendale, Ariz., Cruz took up soccer (a winter sport) to get in better shape for his promising football career. Little did he know that his talent would shine brightest in soccer.
Just four years after his first regular soccer action at age 13, Danny was playing for the U.S. U-17 national team in the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup, a special time for the teenager.
"The U-17 World Cup in Korea was the first time I had a jersey with my name on it," Cruz said. "I just held it up and looked at it, and that was a really cool moment."
Cruz eventually decided against a football career, although he was recruited for football by the University of Colorado, he chose to play soccer at UNLV. After two seasons of college soccer, Cruz signed a Generation adidas contract and declared for the 2009 MLS SuperDraft. Even though he was not a top selection in the draft after an admittedly sub-par performance in the pre-draft combine, he was truly excited when selected by the Houston Dynamo.
"I went to a team that wanted me, not some team that had already passed on me twice," exclaimed Cruz. "I wound up on the best team in the MLS!"
Danny was reassured it was a good fit after getting the chance to select his number at the professional level.
"[They] called me and asked me what number I would like, and I said No. 5, and fortunately the number was available," Cruz said. "I was No. 5 on my club team and in high school, I was No. 5 at UNLV, and now I'm No. 5 for the Houston Dynamo."
Danny has barely had a chance to don that orange No. 5 jersey, however, due to call-ups to the United States U-20 national team, and he hopes to travel to the upcoming CONCACAF qualifying tournament in Trinidad & Tobago.
"It is an honor to play for your country," Cruz said. " I'm honored and proud to be part of something so special. We may not have the pure talent of the 2007 team, but we're a really close group, and you're going to see 20 guys who are playing for each other."
The call-up will keep Danny away from the Dynamo for nearly a month, from the beginning of CONCACAF play almost to the start of the Major League Soccer Season. That could delay his first objective, making the 18-man roster that dresses for each game. Even if he has to watch some contests in street clothes, Danny is comfortable with his role as a rookie learning on the job.
"I've always been the youngest, so I don't mind it," Cruz said. "I have never felt like the youngest. On this team, I have already learned so much from the older guys, especially guys like Brian Mullan; I watch him during practice to improve my game."
A speedy attacking player by nature, Danny also draws inspiration from Manchester United midfielder Cristiano Ronaldo, who notched an amazing 42 goals in the 2007-08 season.
Danny also, enjoys playing as Ronaldo with his favorite video game FIFA Soccer 09. It allows him an opportunity to relax when he is not on the soccer field or working hard taking college courses online to get his degree in criminal law.
Eager to learn and be a part of the team, it is apparent that Cruz is a young man beyond his years and has a bright future in the league. In the immediate future, however, Danny is looking forward to soaking up the Robertson Stadium atmosphere.
"I'm looking forward to meeting the fans, seeing them in person, and hearing the drums," said Cruz, who missed the Dynamo's only home scrimmage so far while on national team duty. "I hear we have the best fans in the MLS."
Danny will find out about Houston fans soon enough, and they may one day be thankful that Arizona high schools play football and soccer in different seasons.
