Washington D.C. (Aug. 17, 2023) - D.C. United have announced the addition of Black-and-Red Legend, Marco Etcheverry, to their Academy coaching staff. Etcheverry will coach the Under-15’s and work closely under Academy Director, Patrick Ouckama.
"I have a lot of love and affection for this club,” Marco Etcheverry said. “I want to do things the right way and help these kids achieve the same goals I had when I was their age. My goal is to help them understand and accept that fútbol is something very special that must be taken seriously, be given a lot of attention, and most importantly, to enjoy it."
D.C. United continue to make key investments to the Academy infrastructure with the addition of Etcheverry to the coaching staff. The Academy program will have the U-14, U-15, U-17, and U-19 age groups for the 2023-’24 season and will continue to be fully funded and free-to-play for youth players. The Academy is one of the most successful youth setups in the league and has produced 20 Homegrown players since the program’s inception. The Black-and-Red currently have eight Homegrown players on the roster.
Etcheverry started his career with D.C. United in their inaugural season in 1996 after signing from América de Cali in Colombia. The midfielder would go on to become one of the most successful players in Black-and-Red history; leading D.C. United to three MLS Cups (1996, 1997, 1999), two Supporters’ Shields (1997, 1999), a CONCACAF Champions League (1998), a Copa Interamericana (1998), and a U.S. Open Cup (1996).
“Marco was a legendary player for D.C. United, but his impact didn't stop there,” Patrick Ouckama, D.C. United Academy Director, said. ”He was one of Major League Soccer’s first superstars and he helped shape the foundation for the future of the entire league. You won’t find a better personality to help lead the next generation of D.C. United professionals.”
The Bolivian nicknamed “El Diablo,” by fans, remains one of the most influential players in MLS history. In a career that spanned eight years with D.C. United, Etcheverry scored 34 goals and recorded 101 assists in 191 appearances (180 starts). Etcheverry earned numerous individual awards during his tenure in the league including four MLS All-Star selections, four MLS Best XI selections, an MLS Most Valuable Player award, and being selected in the all-time MLS Best XI. Etcheverry was inducted into the D.C. United Hall of Tradition in 2007.
“We’re excited to add one of the greatest players in club history to our academy coaching staff,” Dave Kasper, D.C. United President of Soccer Operations, said. “Marco is eager to make his impression on the next generation of D.C. United players and his wealth of experience at the top level will be invaluable to our young players.”
Etcheverry also played a prominent role with the Bolivian National Team after making his international debut in 1989. From 1989 to 2003, Etcheverry scored 13 goals in 71 caps for Bolivia. The midfielder notably helped Bolivia qualify for the 1994 World Cup after a 44-year hiatus from the tournament.
Etcheverry started his coaching career in 2006 where he worked with the D.C. United Academy during the summer camp series. He then worked under Thomas Rongen in 2008 as an assistant coach with the United States U-20 National Team. Etcheverry then moved onto Ecuador in 2009/2010 where he was in charge of second division side, Sociedad Deportiva Aucs, based in Quito. In 2011, the Bolivian then took his talents to Club Deportivo Oriente Petrolero in his home city of Santa Cruz where he helped the U-18’s win the championship. Etcheverry continued his coaching career in 2012 with the Bolivian National team and helped coach the U-15, U-17, and U-23 teams. He spent five years working with the Bolivian youth and senior national team before taking a more administrative role in 2018.
