Talented Eskandarian set to join LA
Left-footed striker reunited with former D.C. United coach Arena on Galaxy
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The talented striker, who turns 26 a week from today, now will be wearing the blue, gold and white of the Los Angeles Galaxy after he was traded to Los Angeles for a conditional 2010 MLS SuperDraft pick and allocation money on Wednesday. The Galaxy also terminated the contract of third-year midfielder Josh Tudela, who was drafted by the Galaxy in the second round of the 2007 draft out of Indiana University.
Eskandarian, an MLS All-Star in 2004 and 2006, gives the Galaxy a dangerous left-footed attacking player. "Which is scarce on our roster," head coach and general manager Bruce Arena said. "He's a player with a lot of versatility. He can be a valuable asset to our team."
The 5-foot-9, 165-pound Eskandarian had been acquired by Chivas in January 2008 from Real Salt Lake and had six goals in 18 games, including one in seven games this season. The six-year MLS veteran originally joined D.C. United as the first overall pick out of the University of Virginia in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft and played with United for four years. He was named MVP of the 2004 MLS Cup -- which was played at The Home Depot Center -- and his father, Andranik, played for Iran in the 1978 World Cup and the New York Cosmos.
Galaxy defender Gregg Berhalter said he used to go to the elder Eskandarian's soccer store in their hometown of Hackensack, N.J., and "and drool over all the cleats."
"It could be a good trade for us," Berhalter said. "He has exactly what we've been looking for."
Eskandarian, who worked out with his new teammates Wednesday, said he had heard some kind of trade was in the works but he wasn't sure of his destination. That he had to move less than 20 yards down the hall understandably was quite agreeable to him.
"You're never sure where you'll end up," he said. "You could go someplace you like or someplace you don't, and I'm very happy with the way things turned out."
Eskandarian, who has one cap with the U.S. national team, said he has a lot to offer.
"I'm an attacking player," he said. "I can contribute to the attack. I can score goals, I can set up goals and most of all I can help get a winning mentality on this group.
"Looking at the team there are a lot of very good players here, and I think we can easily climb the rankings a little bit if we can put some wins together."
Eskandarian, eligible to play in Saturday's home game against the New England Revolution, said he not only feels like he's getting a fresh start but is prepared to play anywhere the Galaxy coaching staff puts him. He also said he has been impressed with the team's makeover from last season.
"I think it's been a huge improvement with this team from last year," he said. "Obviously there have been a lot of ties, and those could have gone either way, but you could tell already there's a huge difference.
"I think with all the guys Bruce has brought in they're going to make an impact and we're going to get this turned around sooner than later."
Larry Morgan is a contributor to MLSnet.com.
