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MLS D.C. United

D.C. United's Marco Etcheverry Receives Green Card

April 11, 2002 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
D.C. United News Release


CHANTILLY, VA (April 11, 2002) - D.C. United captain Marco Etcheverry has received his green card from the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and will no longer count as a Senior International on United's roster, the club announced today. Etcheverry, 31, has been a member of United since the club's inception in 1996. Major League Soccer allows three Senior International players on each team and with this announcement, United now has one Senior International slot available. The team's two current Senior Internationals are forward Jaime Moreno (Bolivia) and defender/midfielder Ryan Nelsen (New Zealand).

"Marco has earned his green card status, in part, with his commitment to D.C. United and Major League Soccer both on and off the field," said United Technical Director Dave Kasper. "We are very happy for him."

A six-time MLS All-Star, Etcheverry has been one of the most accomplished players in league history. Etcheverry's cultured left foot carried the Black-and-Red to three 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. He is MLS's second all-time assist leader with 87 (behind Colorado's Carlos Valderrama with 98) and was named to the league's Best 11 squad for four consecutive seasons from 1996-1999.

"Receiving a green card is very important for my family and me," said Etcheverry. "I'm thankful to D.C. United, MLS and especially the fans, for their assistance in making me feel that this is my home. I want to remain in Washington for the remainder of my career. I now will make the most of the opportunity to really give back to all of those who have supported me through soccer."

Etcheverry has started three of four matches for the Black-and-Red this season, tallying a goal and one assist. He received the MLS Player of the Week award for Week Two after scoring a goal on a picture-perfect free kick against Chicago in United's home opener, a 2-0 win, on March 30.

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