Alecko Eskandarian
A fierce MLS striker whose explosive talent delivered championship glory, cut short by concussions but followed by a life in soccer.
Born 1982 (age 44)·American retired soccer player·Birthday: July 9·Millennials
Biography
Alecko Eskandarian didn't just play soccer; he announced himself with a predator's instinct in the box. The son of Iranian football star Andranik Eskandarian, he carved his own path in America, becoming the first overall pick in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft by D.C. United. His career peak arrived swiftly and memorably in the 2004 MLS Cup, where his two blistering goals secured the championship and earned him MVP honors. Known for his aggressive style and celebratory 'scooter ride' with an imaginary motorcycle, Eskandarian's playing days were ultimately derailed by a series of concussions. Forced to retire in 2010, he seamlessly transitioned into coaching and front-office roles, including with the New York Cosmos and later D.C. United, ensuring his soccer intellect continued to influence the game long after his last shot.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Alecko was born in 1982, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Alecko Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Alecko's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Scored two goals and was named MVP in D.C. United's 2004 MLS Cup victory.
- Selected as the first overall pick in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft by D.C. United.
- Earned MLS All-Star honors in both 2004 and 2006.
Did You Know?
His celebratory goal routine, pretending to ride a scooter, became his signature.
He played for the United States at the U-20 and U-23 levels and earned a cap with the senior national team in 2003.
His father, Andranik Eskandarian, was a star defender for the Iranian national team and played in the 1978 FIFA World Cup.
“I scored goals because that's what I was there to do.”
