MLS legend Etcheverry to coach Ecuadorian club

By Gregory Sica, Special to SI.com, Goal.com

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Marco Antonio "El Diablo" Etcheverry was appointed the new coach of Aucas on Thursday, and he has promised to take the popular Ecuadorian club back into the top flight.

Etcheverry was presented by club president Ramiro Montenegro, who gave the former Bolivian international the necessary confidence to lead the club back into the Ecuadorian First Division after a two-year absence.

"I want to welcome Marco Antonio to our club, I hope the time he spends in our country is successful, and I hope, like a Bolivian brother, that he feels the same as if he were home," Montenegro said during Etcheverry's official presentation.

Etcheverry, who played for Barcelona and Emelec of Ecuador between 1997 and 1999, said the club has "treated me very well" and that he is "looking forward" to his latest challenge.

The legendary striker was an original member of D.C. United when Major League Soccer debuted in 1996. In eight seasons with the club, he scored 34 goals and dealt 101 assists, both team records. He guided United to three MLS Cups and won league MVP in 1998.