Watch Esky in Access United >
Just 11 minutes after returning to play in his first meaningful match since a concussion sidelined him in June 2005, Alecko Eskandarian was scoring goals for D.C. United and leading a menacing attack for the Black-and-Red. After basking in the glow of his stunning full volley Sunday evening, Eskandarian is proving to be quite the media darling this week.
Serving as a headline throughout the American soccer public, Eskandarian has done his fair share of interviews and media appearances this week. The University of Virginia product is scheduled to chat live on espn.com Thursday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. Those wishing to participate should click here.
Open Cup
U.S. Soccer announced last week the structure for the 2006 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. D.C. United will enter the competition in the fourth round and is slated to play on August 2. The winner receives $100,000. Last year, United fell to FC Dallas in the quarterfinal round on penalties. The four-time MLS Cup champions won the Open Cup in 1996.
Convey honored
Former United standout Bobby Convey was honored this weekend as the Professional Footballers' Association Championship League Player of the Month for March. Convey and his current side, Reading, have clinched their league title and are now headed to the English Premier League following a 5-0 win over Derby.
Etcheverry tribute
As expected, the Marco Etcheverry tribute match held in Bolivia last week was a goalfest. Etcheverry, the honoree and former United midfield standout, scored three times in the exhibition. Former United Head Coach Bruce Arena and Jaime Moreno participated in the event.
Said Moreno: "It was special to be there with so many good players and it was nice to play again with Marco - someone who taught me so much both on and off the field. It was a pleasure to play with him."
