They pick Alecko because if you're going to use the first overall pick, you better pick the best player talent-wise regardless of position. Also, finding a scorer is the hardest thing to find in MLS. Despite his attitude, I don't think they'll let him get away.
Trade it for Dante Washington. I can still hope, right? I bet Washington scores more from the Columbus bench than Eskandarian from ours.
Washington Post article Goff says: "Hudson reiterated his interest in University of Virginia forward Alecko Eskandarian, saying "it's almost a foregone conclusion" that United will take the 2002 national player of the year with the first pick." http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A56535-2003Jan14.html