A couple of years back I remember the San Jose Earthquakes(2000-MLS, USA) had an armenian player. I don't remember his name, but maybe if you guys mention some, I will be able to tell you.
Harut Karapetyan. Also played for the Galaxy and the LA Salsa of the APSL in 1993 & 1994. He still has the MLS record for the fastest hat trick, in about 8 minutes against Dallas in 1998 (with the Galaxy).
He was from Hollywood ( city and not the industry ) , sucked for the Quakes , and was invited to Armenian Nats based on his parents origins.
I take it then he was born in the States to Armenian parents; does he still play? If so, for whom? Any more info you guys got on him, would be great. Bye Thanks1
If I remember correctly, Karapetyan wasn't born in in the States but in Armenia. He emigrated (not sure when) and ended up in LA/Glendale, where all Armenians went. I heard somewhere that he was once a member of the Armenian Under-21 side. Still for him it would have made much more sense to move to the States as the Armenian league was pretty week. People did know about him in Armenia; there was talk of perhaps calling him up to the National side, but nothing ever came of it. Most Armenian players were either playing in the domestic Armenian league (especially Shirak Gyumri and Pyunik Yerevan) or usually on some team in Russia. The best Armenian player, Artur Petrosyan, signed for Young Boys in Switzerland, and helped them win promotion to the first division. He's really the only talent on the national team.
I always thought Harut was a decent player for the MLS at the time. Goes to show the progression of the league.