Former D.C. United striker Alecko Eskandarian takes indefinite leave from soccer

University of Virginia star and D.C. United fan favorite Alecko Eskandarian is taking an indefinite leave from soccer as a result of multiple concussions.

The 27-year-old LA Galaxy striker confirmed the news on his Twitter feed:

"As some of you have already heard, I haven't been medically cleared to play pro soccer and am forced to step away from the game at this time."

After starring at the University of Virginia and winning the Hermann Trophy in 2002, Eskandarian was drafted first overall by D.C. United in 2003. In 2004, he scored 10 goals in the regular season and two goals in the MLS Cup final against Kansas City to help D.C. United win the title. The performance earned Eskandarian the 2004 MLS Cup MVP.

After a collision with the New England GK in a match the next year, Eskandarian was out for the rest of the season with his first concussion.

The speedy forward played with United for four seasons before being traded to Toronto FC. Since then, Eskandarian has spent time with Real Salt Lake and Chivas USA before landing a roster spot on the LA Galaxy in 2009.

Eskandarian suffered a broken nose and yet another concussion in the Galaxy friendly against AC Milan this past season, and missed out on the team's playoff run to the MLS Cup final.

In Eskandarian's latest tweet, he wrote, "Thank u to all my friends and fans for all ur support as I go thru this long and frustrating recovery process. God Bless."