On July 3, 2004, D.C. United welcomed the New York Metrostars for another Atlantic Cup showdown at RFK Stadium. With the score tied at one, Jaime Moreno stole the ball from Metrostars goalkeeper Jonny Walker and tucked it away for his fourth goal of the season, and certainly one of the more peculiar strikes of his storied career. The Bolivian went on to supply two assists as the Black-and-Red rolled to a 6-2 win over its rivals. Four months later, Moreno helped United win its fourth MLS Cup with two playoff goals and a 90-minute performance in D.C.'s cup-clinching victory over the Kansas City Wizards.
It was also Moreno's fourth title, merely adding to the front man's impressive collection of silverware. In addition to his MLS Cups, the forward won three Supporter's Shields, a U.S. Open Cup, a CONCACAF Champions' Cup and a Copa Interamericana. The Bolivian also earned five MLS Best XI selections and was named to the League's All-Time Best XI in 2005, cementing his legacy as one of MLS's greatest players. Moreno's goal-scoring record also speaks for itself, as his 133 regular season strikes make him the second-leading scorer in League history.
Even after recieving this all-time honor, Moreno continued to play—and score—for five more seasons. In his last game at RFK Stadium, the forward scored from the penalty spot—his 162nd overall goal in his 425th appearance for the Black-and-Red.
From burning Jonny Walker to scoring United's opener in the 1997 MLS Cup, Moreno has always displayed his class on and off the pitch. During halftime of Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Galaxy, D.C. United will formally induct Moreno into the Hall of Tradition. Buy your tickets here and join us for his special day at RFK Stadium.
