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WASHINGTON, D.C. - D.C. United announced today plans to honor longtime midfielder Marco Etcheverry in a halftime ceremony during United's match with the New York Red Bulls on Saturday. During the event, Etcheverry will be inducted into the club's 'Tradition of Excellence,' joining John Harkes as only the second member. On an evening that will also see the 1996 MLS Cup champions honored, Saturday's match kicks-off at RFK Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are currently available by calling D.C. United at 202-587-5000 or by visiting www.dcunited.com.
"It is impossible to talk about D.C. United and not mention Marco Etcheverry's name," said United President and CEO Kevin Payne. "In many people's minds, Marco and D.C. United are inseparable. Marco was the most influential player in the history of MLS, and without his brilliance on the field and his ability to raise his game in our most important matches, there would be no D.C. United legacy.
"We plan a proper testimonial match in Marco's honor next year, but the occasion of our '96 Championship Team reunion is an altogether fitting moment to say thank you to Marco, and add his name to our Tradition of Excellence banner at RFK. No player is more deserving of this honor than the man they called 'El Diablo.'"
A seven-time MLS All-Star, Etcheverry is one of the most accomplished players in League history. Etcheverry's cultured left foot carried the Black-and-Red to MLS Cup titles in 1996, 1997, and 1999 and garnered the Bolivian international League Most Valuable Player honors in 1998 and MLS Cup MVP honors in 1996. The talented playmaker earned MVP honors at the 2002 All-Star Game and is fourth all-time in MLS with 101 assists. He was named to the League's Best XI squad four consecutive seasons from 1996-1999.
Etcheverry is among club leaders in nearly every significant United statistical category. He ranks fourth all-time in goals scored (34), first in assists (101), second in games played (191), minutes played (16,305), shots (319), shots on goal (156) and game-winning goals (11).
A graduate of the world famous Tahuichi Academy in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, Etcheverry made 72 international appearances and scored 13 goals for the Bolivian national team. He played in one match for his country in the 1994 World Cup, appearing in Bolivia's opening match against Germany.
