01) Alecko Eskandarian - New York Cosmos Assistant Coach, ex professional player

Alecko is the Assistant Coach of the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League (NASL). Prior to joining the Cosmos he was the Youth Technical Director at Philadelphia Union. He is a former MLS professional having played for D.C. United, Toronto FC, Real Salt Lake, Chivas USA, and the Los Angeles Galaxy. In this episode, Alecko takes us through his amazing career journey, from his early days as the biggest talent in New Jersey through the ups and downs of his professional career, to how he was selected by DC United as the number 1 ranked player in the 2003 MLS Superdraft, a top team where his team mates included players such as Hristo Stoichkov, Marco Etcheverry, Jaime Moreno, and a young Freddy Adu, to winning the MLS Championship and being called for the US National Team, to being traded and playing for 4 different clubs in a year, to his very unfortunate and early retirement due to multiple concussions, the last one caused by a clearance from Thiago Silva in a game against AC Milan. We also discuss his coaching career ambitions, the importance of his Armenian background, the influence of his father, Andranik Eskandarian, a legendary player having played in the World Cup for Iran, and next to legends Carlos Alberto, Beckenbauer, and Pele in the NY Cosmos, and the innate hunger and determination that drives him every day. Furthermore, Alecko shares a few amazing anecdotes, one including an ice-cream loving Hristo Stoichkov. And much more. To follow: Twitter: @alecko11, @NYCosmosInstagram: alecko11 Career Achievements: PlayingNumber 1 pick in 2003 MLS Superdraft136 MLS games, 36 goals MLS Cup Champion, 2004MLS Cup MVP, 2004 MLS All Star, 2004 & 2006MLS Supporter’s Shield (regular season champion), 20061 Cap U.S. National Team Hermann Trophy winner, best college player, 2002CoachingNASL Soccer Bowl Champion 2013 & 2015, Assistant Coach, NY Cosmos, National Premier Soccer League National Champion 2015, Head Coach, NY Cosmos BTo learn more about podcast & subject:coffeeandfootball.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.