WASHINGTON, D.C. - D.C. United announced today the club has acquired a partial allocation from Toronto FC in exchange for Alecko Eskandarian. Taken first overall by United in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft, the 24-year old departs D.C. after four seasons with the team.
"Alecko was a tireless worker on and off the field for this club and it is difficult to part with him," said United Technical Director Dave Kasper. "He has been a big part of our recent accomplishments. We are, however, on the verge of signing major contributors and we know that in order to get something of value, we have to give up something of value. This partial allocation further allows us the ability to make those moves. We wish Alecko nothing but the best as he embarks on a new phase of his career."
"I'd like to thank Alecko for his services," said United Head Coach Tom Soehn. "He was a huge asset in bringing us a championship. We're in the process of making some big acquisitions and to do that we have to make some moves. I'd like to personally thank him and wish him the best in his career."
The 2004 MLS Cup MVP had a resurgent 2006, after missing most of the 2005 season with post-concussion syndrome. This past year, the Montvale, NJ native scored seven goals and dished out two assists and was named as a Commissioner's Pick to the All-Star team. All told, Eskandarian made 81 appearances (47 starts) for United, notching 20 goals and seven assists. His best season came during the club's MLS Cup championship run, when in 2004 he scored ten goals during the regular season and four in MLS Cup playoffs - including two in the final versus Kansas City.
D.C. United season ticket packages are now on sale and may be purchased by visiting dcunited.com or by calling the United offices at 202-587-5000.
