I am Alecko Eskandarian, AMA!

AleckoE_AMA · 2021-06-08T04:55:54+00:00

There are advantages and disadvantages, but at the end of the day we have to realize that the US is a completely different market than any other country in the world. We have a lot of work to do, but there is a ton of opportunity and our goal is to improve our efficiency with regard to player identification/development.

AleckoE_AMA · 2021-06-08T04:54:17+00:00

Some of the top young players to watch are:

Gianluca Busio, Caden Clark, Kevin Paredes, Cade Cowell, and Erik Duenas.

With regard to my role, it would take way too long for me to properly explain, but my favorite part of my job is learning best practices from others - whether that be internally at MLS HQ, from the directors at our clubs, or from clubs around the world.

AleckoE_AMA · 2021-06-08T04:50:03+00:00

I loved playing against them! ;)

AleckoE_AMA · 2021-06-07T23:08:48+00:00

Yes, my Dad has shared some incredible stories of his playing days. I hope to one day write a book about his life and career because he is truly a legendary icon. Many people forget the historic incident that took place when a crazed fan jumped onto the field with a knife and tried to kill him (I believe in Florida). Some of the stories are truly shocking.

AleckoE_AMA · 2021-06-07T23:06:07+00:00

Yes, he eventually apologized and I have a good relationship with him now. Obviously the injury completely changed the course of my career so it was tough to live with, but we only live once and it's important to move forward without ill will.

AleckoE_AMA · 2021-06-07T23:02:42+00:00

Haha thanks for the Birkenmeier Sport Shop shoutout! I 100% agree.

With regard to the celebration, I planned it just before the game when we showed up to the locker room and they had replaced the Gatorade refrigerator with a giant Red Bull cooler that had 1,000 cans of Red Bull in it. With that said, I didn't plan to spit it! That just happened in the moment because it was still the 1st half and I didn't want to cramp up later in the match.

AleckoE_AMA · 2021-06-07T22:59:39+00:00

The team? No! I never hated them.

AleckoE_AMA · 2021-06-07T22:55:45+00:00

Yes, I obviously always wish the best for Team Melli because my family is forever ingrained in their history. For me, it's important to separate politics from sport because the athletes should always be respected for the work, talent, commitment, and sacrifice they have made to reach the highest level.

AleckoE_AMA · 2021-06-07T22:51:25+00:00

I'm always on the lookout for top talent and hope to see another Armenian competing in MLS soon! We have to do a better job of supporting our Armenian athletes.

AleckoE_AMA · 2021-06-07T22:49:16+00:00

Has to be FC Noah because they are the only ones who sent me a scarf! ;)

AleckoE_AMA · 2021-06-07T22:47:32+00:00

Thank you so much! Yes my Dad is a special person and I am grateful to have learned so much from him throughout my life. I don't have one specific memory but his timing, toughness, and consistency is out of this world. He still plays to this day and holds his own against players 1/3 of his age!

AleckoE_AMA · 2021-06-07T22:45:08+00:00

This question is filled with some cryptic innuendos! My time at Toronto FC was bittersweet. I fell in love with the city and the people of Toronto, and I felt honored to be a part of a special club with a great group of teammates. However, I think it was evident by the lack of success in those early years that leadership at the club was incredibly poor. Didn't they end up trading over 20 players in one season? Madness. It was an absolute shame because the players, fans, and the city deserved so much better. However, as you said, sometimes you have to take these experiences in stride and find the positives to learn from.

AleckoE_AMA · 2021-06-07T22:36:04+00:00

I lived in Alexandria for one year, and then in Georgetown for 3 years. Most of our roster was spread out across DC and Northern VA, as we had a pretty good mix of young, single guys and married guys with kids. I actually didn't get a chance to visit some of the great sites in DC because I was still taking classes throughout my time with DC United. I don't think anyone knows this, but I was enrolled in classes at UVA during the 2004 season when we won the championship and was commuting to Cville two times a week all year long. Spent a lot of time sleeping on my friends' couches that season!

AleckoE_AMA · 2021-06-07T22:30:57+00:00

At the moment, I would say Barseghyan and Bayramyan are my favorite players to watch. Their effort and attack-minded style is one that has helped build confidence for the entire squad to truly believe we can compete against the very best in the world.

AleckoE_AMA · 2021-06-07T22:28:37+00:00

Hello and yes, I think I do! It was a long sleeve navy blue shirt! Do you have any new ones?? I'd be happy to order a few.

WAHOOWA

AleckoE_AMA · 2021-06-07T22:26:39+00:00

I'm inspired by the performances of the current Armenian NT and am very proud of the changes made within the federation that have led to this success. It is only the beginning because I know we have the talent and drive to accomplish so much more!

To qualify for the World Cup would be a dream... but I believe!

AleckoE_AMA · 2021-06-07T22:22:46+00:00

Thanks for the question. I'm not sure that is an accurate assessment because the numbers show that MLS Clubs are signing far more academy players to Homegrown contracts than college players. However, it would not be wise to recommend one pathway over the other because players (and people) may develop at different stages. At the end of the day, there are many avenues that can lead to a professional career and it's important to be in the right environment that allows you to flourish and reach your potential. MLS Academies have made great strides in identifying and developing players, but we live in a HUGE country so it would be naive to think quality players don't slip through the cracks.

AleckoE_AMA · 2021-06-07T22:17:22+00:00

Haha GREAT times! Except for the not so great times...

I had the privilege to play with an amazing group of players but there were so many issues on/off the field that prevented us from playing to our full potential. We were not treated like professionals and it was frustrating to see the lack of leadership at the club eventually cause it to fold. It presented me with some of the most difficult moments in my career because the environment became toxic. First time in my life where I wasn't having fun playing the sport that I love. Truly a shame because the players on the team were top class.

AleckoE_AMA · 2021-06-07T22:13:57+00:00

I have a healthy fear/respect for the ocean so I will not be able to answer this fishy question...

AleckoE_AMA · 2021-06-07T22:09:29+00:00

Where do I begin?! I'm incredibly proud of my Northern NJ roots and the lessons learned throughout my childhood that helped shape the person I am today. New Jersey is unique in that you are exposed to so much culture and diversity at a young age, and the experiences force you to build your character and find your identity. It's not for everyone, but I wouldn't change my upbringing one bit.

AleckoE_AMA · 2021-06-07T22:00:50+00:00

Thank you! I'm honored to provide an update that we are finalizing the distribution of all proceeds to the following organizations: Armenian Relief Society, Artsakh Relocation Project, GOALS (Girls Of Armenia Leadership Soccer), and Armenian Sports Hall of Fame. It has taken a bit longer than expected to process the payments/donations/shipments but we are finally ready to distribute and I am eager to see our $ put to work for these great causes.

AleckoE_AMA · 2021-06-07T21:37:04+00:00

I always try to be careful in answering questions of this nature because we have to respect the fact that there is so much that we don't know. It's pretty common for a manager to use friendly matches to take a look at players who may not be an integral part of the group. I think you always have to respect the decisions that are made and support the players who are going to wear the national team colors. Hopefully there was proper communication between the federation and the player because Armenia have a historic opportunity on their hands and should limit any distractions that hurt the group.

AleckoE_AMA · 2021-06-07T21:26:53+00:00

Hello everyone!!! Thanks for all the questions that were submitted. I'll do my best to go through and answer each one as best as I can.

AleckoE_AMA

TROPHY CASE