Being the reigning MLS Cup MVP has its privileges. Just ask Alecko Eskandarian.
Shortly after completing his fall coursework at the University of Virginia, Eskandarian was back in Washington, D.C., as the celebrity bachelor in the NBA Washington Wizards much-publicized Singles Night promotion. On Friday night, Eskandarian was treated to courtside seats at the Wizards two-point victory over the New York Knicks before participating in a meet and greet with other singles that purchased tickets to the game and access to matchmaking festivities.
The second-year striker was a hit at the event, playfully asking questions during the Wizards' version of the '80's hit game show, The Dating Game.
Said Eskandarian: "I had a great time. The game was great and I thought that the singles event was a unique opportunity. I'm young and single. What do I have to lose?"
'Tis the season
Eskandarian will be joined by Ben Olsen Wednesday morning in New York City for a national television appearance. The two United stalwarts are scheduled to appear on the espn2 morning show, Cold Pizza, in order to make a donation to the show's Toys for Tots campaign. On behalf of Major League Soccer and D.C. United, Eskandarian and Olsen will provide the drive with 50 league soccer balls and other items.
And the Winner is ...
Freddy Adu is used to winning awards, but on this week he'll be giving one. Adu is a scheduled presenter at Tuesday's 2004 Spike Video Game Awards Show in Los Angeles. The live show, hosted by Snoop Dogg, will air on Spike TV beginning at 9 p.m. ET.
Adu and his U-20 U.S. national team teammates are currently training in Southern California for next month's U-20 World Cup qualifying tournament.
Champions Cup draw
The draw for the final phase of the 2005 CONCACAF Champions' Cup will be held at the offices of the CONCACAF General Secretariat in New York City on Dec. 15.
Joining D.C United as clubs that have qualified for the tournament are: the Kansas City Wizards, CF Monterrey and Pumas UNAM from Mexico; CD Olímpia (HON), CSD Municipal (GUA) and Deportivo Saprissa (CRC) from Central America; with the eighth spot to be claimed by the winner of the 2004 Caribbean Club Championship Final between Harbour View FC and Tivoli Gardens FC, both from Jamaica. The eight teams in the draw will be paired to play two-leg, straight knockout, home-and-away series, from 9 March - 11 May 2005. The winner of the 2005 CONCACAF Champions' Cup will qualify for the next FIFA Club World Championship to be held in Japan in December 2005.
The CONCACAF Champions' Cup is the longest running international club competition in the region and has crowned the champion club of the Confederation since its inception in 1962.
D.C. United salutes
D.C. United has often partnered with organizations to honor and recognize America's military families for their daily sacrifice, selfless service and courage while serving our country. That trend continues through the support of the HomeFront Unity Band campaign. On Dec. 4, MTG launched the initiative by distributing wristbands at the 2004 Army-Navy football game. It was a huge success.
This important effort also raises awareness and funds for the National Military Family Association (NMFA), a non-profit that provides valuable programs and services to military families. The NMFA goal is to have one HomeFront Unity Band worn for each service member and military family serving our country.
To support the HomeFront Unity Bands cause, log on to homefrontunitybands.com.
