Marco Etcheverry, a Bolivian playmaker who led D.C. United to championship glory in MLS’s formative years and entered the Hall of Fame in 2022, has returned to the organization to coach in the youth academy.
“El Diablo,” as he was known during his 18-year pro career, will guide the under-15 boys’ team, academy director Pat Ouckama said.
Ranging from the U-14 to the U-19 levels, United’s academy squads opened 2023-24 workouts this week. MLS academies are the breeding ground for youths on a pro path and expose players to league competition over a 10-month schedule. Since 2009, United has signed 20 locals to homegrown contracts, including Bill Hamid, Andy Najar and Kevin Paredes.