U.S. U-15 Nicholas Gaitan signs for Argentinos Juniors

Midfielder Nicholas Gaitan of Oceanside, N.Y. has decided to forgo attending U.S. Under-17 residency program in Bradenton, Fla. -- at least for now -- as he has signed a one-year contract with Argentinos Juniors in Argentina, his father, Adrian Gaitan said Saturday. Gaitan, a member of the U.S. Under-15 National Team, has enrolled in school and already played a game for the club's U-16 team, a 5-2 win over its New Zealand international counterparts.

"I think they were pretty happy with him," the elder Gaitan said by telephone from Buenos Aires on Saturday. "I spoke to the coach and he thought he played well. They feel he needs to adjust to the pace of the game." At the present time, Adrian Gaitan felt Argentinos Juniors offered more competition.

"In the long haul for Nicholas, he's younger than all of the kids there," said Gaitan, referring to at least half of the players under Wilmer Cabrera's wing in Bradenton, who are pointing toward the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2010. "What are his chances of making the squad?

"We made a decision right now for Nicholas' benefit. There are games every weekend and competitive atmosphere -- while not bnetter, but it helps him out in the long run. Maybe they will call him in for matches. Being in that competitive environment, that was the best thing."

ARGENTINOS JUNIORS, FOR NOW