Curious: Did any of you guys catch Etch's Retirement Game?

[Bolivianfuego]

Because while watching it, it really brought me back to who this guy really was before the US really knew him. How when younger played more of a moreno role than a true #10, he played as a foward and did some amazing things! Anyone catch the clips they put together that he did with the BOL national team? When he like dribbled through 5 people including the goaling to score, which i believe was against venezuela in 93 or the goal heard all around SA which defeated brazil first time in LA PAZ getting it between taffarrells legs?

Which brought me to another point, to all those that knew this etcheverry, not just the one that played in the MLS, but the young hungry star do you guys think he could have been more than the greatest player in the MLS? Which made me think as Bruce Arena Compared him to a figo or zidane. Which made me think why his career never took off in europe...

[Sachin]

I would guess that horrible knee injury he suffered probably had a lot to do with it.

Sachin

[rtiemens]

I am not directly familiar with Marco's experience in SA, but IMO he was, by far, the most dazzlingly skilled soccer player I have ever seen play in person. I still wish there would be an MLS tribute game for him.

[Bolivianfuego]

Yea but that occured in chile. He was there in a believe 95, he was in his true prime in like pre world cup and at the WC. I guess that red card may have hurt him since he didnt really get to show the world what he was made of. But i think in this day and age doing what he did in the past with let say if a bolivian player just like him came out today no doubt would be playing in a middle level team in spain or a top level league like that. YEs i know he was given a chance in spain a while back, but he had problems with the coach and didnt gel with albacete at the time, plus they were really crappy. LOL

I mean hell, look at i forget his name, but he was from Venezuela and is playing really well for a middle-tier spainish team and shit hes from Venezuela!


Also if he would have stayed in europe that nasty knee injury would have never happend.

I am not directly familiar with Marco's experience in SA, but IMO he was, by far, the most dazzlingly skilled soccer player I have ever seen play in person. I still wish there would be an MLS tribute game for him.
Yea i hear that, its wierd how he just outta the blue was forgotten by the MLS.

He ended up retiring playing for Bolivar, Best team in BOL(chico:p ). Thats why he did his tribute game back home.

[Sachin]

I see him at DCU games 5 or 6 times a season. He's not forgotten, although I don't know why there isn't a tribute game for him.

Sachin

[ironduke2010]

I am not directly familiar with Marco's experience in SA, but IMO he was, by far, the most dazzlingly skilled soccer player I have ever seen play in person. I still wish there would be an MLS tribute game for him.

i've seen zidane do some incredible stuff in person, but yeah, marco is by far the most dazzlingly skilled player i've watched regularly. i can't remember how many times i've seen him double teamed in the corner or on the side when he'd do something you could barely follow, and all of a sudden he was all by himself with the ball. really fun stuff.

[garbaggio]

IIRC, the bad knee injury (or was there more than one?) occurred before the World Cup but he rehabbed to get back just in time to play. No one knew how well he'd be able to move and play (obviously his coaches knew, but the rest of the world wasn't sure) as he came into the WC Opener against defending champs Germany as a 2nd half sub. Since he was the national "talisman" this really should have charged up the emotional energy level of his teammates.

But wily Matthaeus got him to retaliate and his World Cup was over in minutes.

I think most DC fans who've followed the team since year 1 would consider the younger Marco the best player ever to play for the team. Although it is debatable. I also think most everyone also agrees his brilliance dimmed considerably in his later years with the team.

[Mountainia]

I think most DC fans who've followed the team since year 1 would consider the younger Marco the best player ever to play for the team. Although it is debatable. I also think most everyone also agrees his brilliance dimmed considerably in his later years with the team.

Yea, well he still smoked me during indoor a month or two ago.

We need to have a tribute game for him and add a banner for him alongside the NY asst. coach's banner.

[fatbastard]

Was it on TV?

[Bolivianfuego]

It was on Fox Sports En Espanol, although originally broadcasted through Argentine Network TYC but retransmitted on FSC en espanol.


Iwish i could upload from my VCR footage the little clip they had of him dribbling through those 5 guys and and the other one of him scoring against brazil! That friggin goal made it in a almanac about bolivian history. LOL

[Pints]

Was it on TV?

No shit, I was wondering the same thing? Please tell me I didn't sleep through it.

[desertrose351]

When was this match?

[Bolivianfuego]

a While back. Like in Mayish I believe...........

[McOwen]

To keep this going does ANYONE know anything NEW about a possible DC United tribute match?

I have heard rumors and mumblings before (from both sides that DC was dragging its feet or that Etch was avoiding a game in hopes of continuing his play) but with this retirement in Bolivia, it seems "we" in DC are far over due.

Anyone?

Bueller? :D

[mcontento]

I think most DC fans who've followed the team since year 1 would consider the younger Marco the best player ever to play for the team. Although it is debatable. I also think most everyone also agrees his brilliance dimmed considerably in his later years with the team.

People can debate against it but they'd be wrong. El Diablo 96-99 was not only the best player on our team but the best player the league has ever had during that four year stretch. Jaime as a contender is more due to his longevity and playing consistently well vs a spectacular but brief period MAE had.

Especially the 97-98 years he was better than anyone. Better than el Pibe, better than Preki, better than Donovan even on his best days, better than Jaime, better than de Rosario, anyone you can name in MLS history and he would have bested them. That's how good he was, if it weren't for age and injuries his career numbers would have further supported his greatness.

There was a photo that used to surface every once and a while showing el Diablo like a maestro showing his black magic to the crowd after his goal (the one with Chino doing a ballerina dance in the background). I really would like to see a statue of Marco in that pose outside our new stadium, or at least a statue of MAE striking a ball with his evil left foot.

[DangerMouse37]

Don't know why there's been no Marco tribute match here and don't care. It should have happened. Either way, the idea that Harkes has the only banner is ridiculous. Harkes (shudder given his current employ) deserved it, but Marco deserves it too, now, more.

Hullo front office...