D.C. United signs Santino Quaranta

WASHINGTON -- Santino Quaranta signed with D.C. United on Thursday, rejoining the club after a two-year absence.

Quaranta was drafted at age 16 by United in 2001, becoming at the time the youngest player to sign with MLS. He spent five full seasons in Washington before he was traded to the Los Angeles Galaxy during the 2006 season.

Last year, he was traded to the New York Red Bulls, where his season ended early because of a toe injury.

Looking to restart his career, the 23-year-old forward has been practicing with United during preseason training, hoping he would be signed.

Quaranta made nine appearances with the U.S. national team, including three starts, in 2005-06.