D.C. United announced today the re-signing of Major League Soccer's all-time goal-scoring leader Jaime Moreno. Moreno, despite spending the 2003 season with the MetroStars, has been with United since the inception of MLS in 1996. The Bolivian forward has played in 259 games (248 starts) in his career with the Black-and-Red. Moreno became the MLS all-time goal-scoring leader after tallying number 109 on August 22, 2007. Moreno currently has 112 career goals with 89 assists. Per team and League policy, terms of the new agreement will not be released.
"Jaime has long provided a major impact for us on the field and in the locker room. His skill and savvy remain unmatched in this League and we're expecting more of the same results from Jaime this season," said United General Manager Dave Kasper. "With training camp opening on Monday and a full schedule of domestic and international tests before us, he shares in our excitement to get the season underway."
Added Moreno: "I'm happy to be able to remain with D.C. United. Looking forward, I hope to score more goals and bring more championships to the club."
Despite injuries and international obligations, Moreno broke the League's goal scoring mark with his 109th goal on August 22, against the New York Red Bulls. The milestone came on a converted penalty kick after United striker Luciano Emilio was dragged down in the penalty area. The goal was part of a 3-1 victory against New York and vaulted Moreno past recently retired Jason Kreis to first on the all-time list. On the season, United's captain saw action in 21 League matches (15 starts), scoring seven goals and adding six assists.
Moreno enjoyed a major resurgence in international play last year, as well. After making his debut as Bolivia's youngest player in the 1994 World Cup, he became a fixture on the National Team roster throughout most of the 1990's. In all, the Bolivian striker was summoned six times for international service. The first came on May 26 in a friendly against Ireland. Moreno then participated in the 2007 Copa America for his country. Although the international foray temporarily stalled Moreno's pursuit of the MLS scoring record, he was able to tally two important goals for his country including the equalizer in a 2-2 draw with tournament host Venezuela. Moreno's most recent call-up with the team was in November, in preparation for Bolivia's World Cup Qualifiers against Argentina and Venezuela. For his career, Moreno has played in 72 total games with the Bolivian National Team and scored 11 goals.
Having led United to eight major domestic and international championships between 1996 and 1999, Moreno suffered through a series of injuries in 2002. The forward was traded to the MetroStars following the season. Following a campaign that saw him appear in just 11 MLS competitions, the forward opted for off-season back surgery that threatened his playing career. Without a contract, Moreno returned to the Nation's Capital prior to the 2004 season. Moreno was offered a deal and responded by leading the Black-and-Red to a fourth MLS Cup title.
In all, the legendary forward has been a driving force on the field behind all 11 of United's major domestic and international titles, a record unapproached by any club in the history of American professional soccer. His individual honors include seven all-star nominations, four MLS Best XI selections, the 1997 MLS Golden Boot award and a place on the MLS All-Time Best XI side selected in the League's 10th campaign.
