His name is Marco Etcheverry.
Few names are as synonymous with D.C. United as this certain Bolivian-born playmaker who took the league by storm during its founding years in the mid to late 1990s, and into the 2000s as well. Known for dribbling past MLS defenders with a distinct, casual flair, Etcheverry quickly became legend, not only in the DMV but the soccer world at large.
These days, Etcheverry heads the D.C. United Academy U15 squad, where his job is to elevate the play and behavior as he shepherds in D.C. United’s next generation.
What does it mean to be coaching in the D.C. United academy?
A dream come true. When I stopped playing football, I started helping out with summer camps and clinics at the Academy. Which is much different than what I’m doing now. Now, I am helping build the U15 team which is part of the D.C. United Academy.
It's impossible to keep an artist from his brush. When Etcheverry isn't still on the pitch and wearing a D.C. United logo, he still likes to find his way onto a pitch to play the beautiful game – usually after spending time with his family.
What do you spend most of your time outside of soccer doing these days?
I normally wait for my kids to get home from work to talk to them, eat dinner, and just spend as much time as I can with them. Now that we all work, I see them every now and then so I try to cherish those moments. I also still enjoy playing futbol. I always try to find places to go and play with some friends.
What comes to mind or sticks out when you think about your playing career with D.C. United?
It was one of the most beautiful parts of my life because of all of the success we had. We were champions many times and were able to celebrate it with our families and friends, the D.C. United staff, and most importantly our fans.
If you had a message to give to D.C. United fans, what would it be?
I have nothing but gratitude for the fans. They were very important to me and to my game/career. The fans were amazing to me and I have so much love for them.
From the Black-and-Red family: Thank you, Marco.
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