Marco Etcheverry: The Legacy of El Diablo in American Soccer

In the realm of soccer, few players have left an indelible mark on both their teams and the league as Marco Etcheverry did during his illustrious career.
Known affectionately as “El Diablo,” Etcheverry was a talented midfielder who consistently bedeviled his opponents with his skill, vision, and competitive spirit.
For American soccer fans, particularly those in and around the nation’s capital, Etcheverry’s eight-year tenure with D.C. United remains a golden era in the club’s history.
As a mainstay of Major League Soccer’s first dynasty, he played a pivotal role in leading the team to three of its first four MLS Cups, along with the 1998 Champions League and Copa Interamericana titles, and the 1996 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Through his contributions, Etcheverry helped set standards for his team and the league that are still revered today.

A Player Committed to the League

Etcheverry’s commitment to making MLS a success was evident from the moment he joined D.C. United.
Bruce Arena, the head coach who guided United in its first three seasons, recognized Etcheverry as a model foreign player who genuinely wanted to improve the league.
“He wants to be a part of making this league work,” Arena said in 1998.
“He has come here to make the league better and to work on his game. That is a special quality that we haven’t seen in a lot of foreign players in this league.”
This dedication was reflected not only in his performances on the field but also in his approach to training and improvement.

When Etcheverry stepped onto the pitch, he immediately captured the attention of fans with his distinctive mullet hairstyle.
However, it was his scintillating performances that earned him lasting admiration.
“I live from soccer, and I live for soccer,” he declared in a 1998 interview with Soccer America.
“My life is soccer, and if I need to practice longer to get better, I am going to do it. Anything I can do to make the team better. I love soccer, and I don’t do it out of necessity anymore, but my body needs soccer.”
This passion for the game translated into a remarkable career filled with accolades.

Honors and Recognitions

Etcheverry’s contributions to soccer have been recognized numerous times throughout his career.
He was named to the MLS All-Time Best XI in 2005 and selected as one of the best 25 players for the league’s silver anniversary in 2020.
His achievements include being named the league’s MVP in 1998, earning a spot on the Best XI for the first four seasons, winning the Goal of the Year award twice (1997, 1999), and being named the 2002 All-Star Game MVP.
In addition to these honors, he was inducted into D.C. United’s Hall of Tradition in 2007, the Virginia-D.C. Soccer Hall of Fame in 2008, and the D.C. Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.
Moreover, in 2006, he received the Order of Merit from the Bolivian government, and on May 21, he was enshrined in the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Frisco, Texas.

Early Life and Career

Marco Etcheverry was born on September 26, 1970, in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia.
Growing up, he was immersed in soccer culture, playing for Tahuichi Academy, one of the most renowned youth clubs in the world.
Living within walking distance of the academy, he would run to the field each morning with other boys from his neighborhood.
Between the ages of 8 and 16, Tahuichi became a second home for him, shaping his skills and love for the game.
“All I know about soccer comes from there,” he later reflected on his time at the academy.

Etcheverry’s professional journey began in Bolivia, where he played for Destroyers and Bolívar before moving to Europe to play for Albacete in Spain and Colo-Colo in Chile.
He broke into the national team in 1989, quickly establishing himself as a playmaker and leader.
His international career was highlighted by a crucial goal against Brazil in 1993, marking the first FIFA World Cup qualifying loss for the South American powerhouse.
This victory was instrumental in helping Bolivia qualify for the 1994 World Cup, their first since 1950.

The 1994 World Cup Challenge

As the 1994 World Cup approached, Etcheverry faced a significant challenge in the form of a knee injury that threatened his participation.
However, through determination and hard work, he managed to regain his fitness just in time for the tournament.
Unfortunately, his World Cup experience was brief.
In Bolivia’s opening match against Germany, Etcheverry was brought on as a substitute but was sent off just four minutes later for kicking German captain Lothar Matthäus.
This moment was a devastating blow for both Etcheverry and the Bolivian team, as they lost the match 1-0.

Following the incident, Etcheverry expressed his remorse.
“All I can say is, ‘I’m sorry,’” he told the Los Angeles Times.
“I think it will be very clear on television replays that I did it. But for me, the most important thing is to apologize to the public because they were waiting for a good show and today, I failed.”
Despite this setback, Etcheverry returned to the United States shortly after the World Cup, eager to make amends.

Dominance in Major League Soccer

In the 1996 season, Etcheverry made an immediate impact in MLS, scoring four goals and assisting on 19 others.
His most memorable contributions came during the inaugural MLS Cup Playoffs, where he played a pivotal role in a legendary comeback against the LA Galaxy.
Facing a 2-0 deficit, Etcheverry sparked a turnaround with a series of brilliant plays, including a cross to Tony Sanneh for a goal and an equalizer he scored himself.
In sudden-death extra time, he assisted on the winning goal, sealing D.C. United’s first championship in a dramatic fashion.

The following season, Etcheverry elevated his game even further, finishing with a career-high 10 goals, including six from free kicks.
His ability to score from set pieces became a hallmark of his playing style, making him a constant threat on the field.
In 1998, he earned league MVP honors, solidifying his status as one of the top players in MLS history.
“Over the past three years, Marco Etcheverry has proved to be the finest player in Major League Soccer,” Arena noted at the time.
His contributions continued in 1999, where he recorded four goals and 17 assists, helping D.C. United secure its third title in four years.

A Winning Legacy

By the time Etcheverry completed his tenure with D.C. United in 2003, he had accumulated 34 goals and 101 assists in 191 matches.
His remarkable ability to create scoring opportunities and his leadership on the field made him a beloved figure among fans.
Etcheverry’s success extended beyond MLS, as he was loaned to teams like Barcelona in Ecuador and Oriente Petrolero in Bolivia, both of which won championships during his tenure.

After retiring from professional soccer, Etcheverry remained involved in the sport through various roles.
He served as a scout for the U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team and worked as a commentator for Ecuadorian television during the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Additionally, he founded the Marco Antonio Etcheverry Soccer Academy, now known as the Charlotte Queen Academy, which aims to teach young players not only the game but also important life skills.
“I enjoy teaching kids the game,” Etcheverry stated.
“But more than soccer, we want to teach them self-esteem and responsibility.”
This commitment to youth development reflects his desire to give back to the sport that shaped his life.

Conclusion

Marco Etcheverry’s legacy as a soccer icon is firmly established in the annals of American sports history.
His contributions to D.C. United and the Bolivian national team have left an indelible mark on the game.
As he is honored in the National Soccer Hall of Fame, fans remember not only the trophies and accolades but also the passion and excitement he brought to the field.
Etcheverry’s story is one of perseverance, talent, and a lifelong dedication to soccer.
His impact continues to inspire future generations of players and fans, ensuring that the spirit of “El Diablo” will live on in the hearts of soccer enthusiasts for years to come.
Marco Etcheverry is not just a player; he is a testament to the transformative power of the beautiful game.