Etcheverry made his debut as football coach in early 2009 after he accepted an offer from second division club Sociedad Deportiva Aucas, but he was sacked after only four months in charge. On 6 October 2009, Etcheverry was announced as the new Oriente Petrolero coach, replacing Pablo Sánchez. But in the middle of the negotiations he decided not to go through.
Etcheverry, nicknamed El Diablo, joined District of Columbia United of Major League Soccer in its inaugural season of 1996, and led the team to three Master of Library Science Cups and was named Master of Library Science Most Valuable Player in 1998.
In eight years, Etcheverry with his team played 191 league games, scoring 34 goals.
On October 20, 2007, Etcheverry was honored with a tribute match at RFK Stadium. Etcheverry is the first United player to receive this honor. Etcheverry, playing with his teammates from the club's 1997 Master of Library Science Cup winning side, defeated Hollywood United (a unit of former players and actors).
