The core of D.C. United’s two-time MLS champion squad has been signed to long-term contracts, highlighted by a deal with Bolivian international Marco Etcheverry, D.C. GM Kevin Payne announced Nov. 13. Etcheverry has signed a deal that will keep him with MLS and D.C. United at a minimum into the next century, and possibly in the league until his playing career is over. “The league has been approached on a number of occasiions over the last year by clubs seeking to buy Marco’s pass, but we made the determination that his value to the team and to the league is so great he’d be too difficult to replace,” Payne said. “Also, we’re very pleased with the fact Marco felt so strongly about D.C. United both on a personal as well as a professional level that he worked very closely with us to create the arrangement that will keep him with us for a number of years to come.” In addition to Etcheverry, many of the remaining United players have signed multi-year deals that will keep them under contract with MLS for at least the next two years. Heading this list are U.S. internationals Jeff Agoos, John Harkes, Eddie Pope and Roy Wegerle, as well as Etcheverry’s fellow Bolivian Jaime Moreno and Salvadoran international Raul Diaz Arce. Also signed are Scott Garlick, Mario Gori, Carlos Llamosa, Mark Simpson and Richie Williams. “We’re very pleased with the fact that through these contracts the central core that has led to the success of D.C. United through our first two seasons is in place for a number of years to come,” Payne added. “We believe it will allow us to be a competitive team in Major League Soccer into the next century.” Payne also announced that D.C. will have a new look and logo next season. The logo will contain a single gold star (representing the first MLS championship) in place of the three smaller stars attached to the eagle that is the centerpiece of the logo. In addition, the eagle’s wings will now be raised rather than in the stationary position in the original logo. United’s home strip will remain the same, but the team will have a new away strip — all white with three black stripes down the left side.