May 12, 2011
NEW YOUTH DIRECTOR
Eskandarian expected to be hired by Union

By Charles Cuttone
Executive Editor

Alecko Eskandarian closed out his seven-season MLS career with the LA Galaxy. Linda Cuttone/Sports Vue Images

Former Major League Soccer player Alecko Eskandarian is in line to be named Director of the Philadelphia Union’s Youth Academy Program, Philly Soccer News has learned.

Eskandarian, who played seven years in MLS, with D.C. United, Toronto FC, Real Salt Lake, Chivas USA and the Los Angeles Galaxy. He retired during the 2010 season after lingering issues due to concussions.

Though his agreement with the Union is not finalized, it is expected he would work under the Direction of Coach John Hackworth, who oversees the club’s youth programs. The Union has made a major commitment to player development, through their Union Juniors program with YSC and ties to the Harrisburg City Islanders and Reading United A.C.

The 28-year-old Eskandarian was drafted by D.C. United out of the University of Virginia in 2003, after winning the Hermann Trophy in 2002. He suffered a season-ending concussion in a game against the New England Revolution in 2005. After four seasons with United, he spent part of the 2007 season with Toronto and then Salt Lake. He began the 2009 season with Chivas USA, before making the move to the Galaxy midway through the season. He suffered a concussion in a friendly against A.C. Milan that year, and announced his retirement in March 2010.

Eskandarian's father was a national team star for Iran, playing in the 1978 World Cup before joining the legendary New York Cosmos of the North American Soccer League.