Sometimes, You Can't Go Home Again

Alecko Eskandarian was traded away from DC United to Toronto FC today. It certainly didn't seem like Esky was going to leave DC back when the team took him as the first pick in the 2003 MLS draft, or when he was voted MVP of the 2004 MLS Cup.

Things change, however. In light of that, it might be haunting Eskandarian that he celebrated a goal scored against Red Bull New York in the 2006 season by having his teammates toss him a can of the drink from the bench, taking a sip, then spitting it out.

At the time, goalkeeper Tony Meola, like Eskandarian a New Jersey native, delivered a lecture on the importance of avoiding burnt bridges.

“I think he probably regrets it a little bit,” said Meola. “I’m sure it’s hard for him to look five or six years down the road to when he perhaps wants to come home and play in New Jersey”.

Andranik, Esky's father, lives and owns a soccer shop in that area. Bruce Arena, another Jersey product, now coaches the Bulls. The organization is also building one of the best soccer stadiums in the league there. New York could have welcomed Esky with open arms, but it's unlikely that he will ever play there as anything but a visitor now.

“Those are the things you’ve got to learn along the way,” noted Meola “You always have to pay for all your actions. I’m sure that one won’t be forgotten – especially by the newer people at Red Bull, that have just come in the last few weeks.”

Perhaps Arena has enough pull to override any objections of Red Bull administration and to bring in Esky, but I highly doubt it. Esky's shortsighted stunt has likely closed the door to New York for as long as that company owns the team.