Nowak tabs former player as Union's new youth director

Union boss Peter Nowak not only likes to keep information close to the vest, but it appears that when it comes to hiring constituents, he also enjoys keeping a close circle.

Such appears the case with the hiring of Alecko Eskandarian as the club's new youth technical director, yesterday. Eskandarian, 28, will oversee the Union youth academy and assist head coach Brendan Burke with the Union reserves.

A former MLS-All Star and MLS Cup MVP, Eskandarian played three seasons (2004-2006) under Nowak at D.C. United. An integral part of United's 2004 MLS Cup campaign - Nowak's first season at the helm - Eskandarian scored a career-high 10 goals and added two assists during the 2004 regular season and added four more goals and a helper during the playoffs.

However, a string of concussions ended his career in the 2007 season in which he made 23 appearances, six as a member of Toronto FC 17 with Real Salt Lake.

Eskandarian joins team coordinator Josh Gros as a fellow player under Nowak, now working with the team. Gros also played during Nowak's three seasons and, coincidentally, called it quits to his MLS career as a result of recurrent head injuries.

"I am extremely excited to join the Philadelphia Union family as it is a first-class organization from top to bottom with a passionate fan base," said Eskandarian. "Not only are the Union dedicated to being one of the top clubs in MLS today, they have placed a strong emphasis on building for the future. The foundation for a world-class youth academy is already in place, and I look forward to using my experience to help take it to the next level."

- Kerith Gabriel