Aug. 14, 2001

Charlottesville- After a three-week competition in Argentina, Soccer America's 2000 Freshman of the Year, Alecko Eskandarian (Montvale, N.J.) returned to the U.S. with a different perspective on soccer. After being on a team that included five professional players, two Olympic team members, three Senior National Team members and eight representatives from the Atlantic Coast Conference, the rising second year admitted that the World Games were a learning experience.

"Playing with the pros gives you a good idea of what it takes to play at a higher level and also how you must carry yourself both on and off the field," said Eskandarian. "It makes me want to work harder so that I may play in the next Olympics and play professionally."

Besides playing with professionals, playing alongside fellow teammates Kenny Arena (Fairfax, Va.), and Kyle Martino (Westport, Conn.) was a greater benefit for Eskandarian.

"It definitely was an advantage when we were on the field together," he said. "It's fun because we always have each other to talk to and we all know what the other is capable of, so we can motivate each other to do better."

In terms of training, the team practiced for the past seven months in San Diego, Calif., at the Olympic Training Center. Eskandarian also trained away from the team.

"In San Diego, we had two-a-day practices and sometimes we would go full days without touching a soccer ball," said Eskandarian. "When I was at home, I trained with the New York/New Jersey Metrostars of the Major League Soccer. I also played with my local club team, Pasco, at the World Class Soccer Camp."

In comparison to ACC and NCAA Tournament, Eskandarian acknowledged that the World Championships experience was on a higher level.

"I think the atmosphere is the biggest difference," he said. "Everything at World Championships was just a bit more serious and more professional than what goes on in college games."

Despite the remarkable experience, Eskandarian admitted that the Championship Games were both a mental and physical challenge.

"People have no idea about all the sacrifices we had to make to play on the National Team," said the rising second year. "All the little things that people take for granted is what I missed the most. As far as physically, we really put in a lot of time and effort into training for the World Championships. At times it was stressful, but I wouldn't take any of it back because we all wanted to be there."

After playing abroad, the trio will have an advantage when the team opens up the season in Europe.

"Kenny, Kyle and I definitely learned a lot from traveling so much and we will definitely be more used to it than the others, " said Eskandarian. "As for field matters, playing abroad helps get rid of all the nervousness, but that usually goes away after one match."

Competing in Argentina was an experience that Eskandarian will never forget.

"It was awesome to play in a country where soccer is life," he said. "The fans are amazing: They treat us like pro basketball players. You have to respect the fact that they even care so much about every move that we make."

The tournament resulted in the U.S. Team finishing second within their group, beating Chile, tying with Ukraine and losing to China as Argentina won the Championship title.

Besides soccer, Eskandarian had a chance to explore Argentina from a social aspect.

"On our last night we got to go out on the strip and enjoyed mingling with the people," he said. "The people in Mendoza and Buenos Aires were really nice and I felt at home there."

Upon his return to the United States, Eskandarian began to prepare for the upcoming season. After taking some time to heal and recover, Eskandarian and the team began pre-season training to get ready for their European competition.

The Men's Soccer team will open up the 2001 season with exhibition games in the Netherlands and in Germany. Their first home game is Friday, Aug. 31, against Liberty at 8pm at Klockner Stadium. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and youth (18 and under). Admission is free for UVa. students.