Washington, D.C. (August 12, 2010) – D.C. United and Jaime Moreno announced today 2010 will be the forward’s final year with D.C. United. Having joined United during the team’s inaugural season, he has had a hand in every major trophy captured by D.C.
“I would like to offer a big thank you to everyone who has been a part of my time at D.C. United,” said Moreno. “Thank you to the fans for supporting me through all the years and to all of the people that make up D.C. United – my teammates, my coaches, the staff and everyone else. I’m thankful to have been given the opportunity to be a part of this organization.”
“Jaime has been an invaluable member of D.C. United since the team’s first season in 1996,” said President and CEO Kevin Payne. “He is arguably the greatest player in the history of Major League Soccer. This has been a disappointing season for the club and while we would have preferred to write a different closing chapter, this does not diminish anything the club has accomplished since 1996 and the role Jaime has played in those accomplishments. While Jaime may choose to play his last soccer for Blooming in Bolivia, he understands that there is a role for him with D.C. United in the future. We look forward to his being a part of the D.C. United family for years to come.”
“I feel very lucky to have been able to share a field with Jaime Moreno,” said D.C. United Interim Head Coach Ben Olsen. “We shared some wonderful memories as teammates – some of the best moments in the club’s history. Our trophy case is full in large part to Jaime. He will absolutely have a legacy as one of the greatest players in League history. He made the game look easy and was a joy to watch. Everyone at D.C. United wishes him the best.”
“It has been an honor to have been part of Jaime's incredible career at D.C. United,” said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper. “He has dazzled with his abilities, shown his pure class both on the field and off, and been instrumental in all of the silverware captured by the club. We wish nothing but the best for Jaime and his family, and we are hopeful that he can contribute to the organization in many different ways moving forward.”
Moreno has been a driving force on the pitch behind all 12 of United’s major domestic and international titles, an unmatched record by any club in the history of American professional soccer. His individual honors also include four MLS Best XI selections, the 1997 MLS Golden Boot award and a place on the MLS All-Time Best XI side selected during the League’s 10th season. A seven-time All-Star, he was named as a Commissioner’s Pick to the 2010 MLS All-Star squad that faced Manchester United.
TOP 10:Moreno's greatest moments
Moreno became the MLS all-time goal-scoring leader after tallying number 109 on August 22, 2007. Moreno currently has 132 career goals to accompany 102 assists (4th most in MLS history), the only League player in history with more than 100 in both statistical categories. Moreno’s legendary on-field production is matched only by his longevity. The only current player to have played in every season since the League began, he has donned the Black-and-Red an astounding 324 times in his League career. His 335 games played in MLS is second only to Steve Ralston and Kevin Hartman.
Moreno has also enjoyed a dynamic international football career with the Bolivia. The forward made his debut as Bolivia’s youngest player in the 1994 World Cup, becoming a fixture on the National Team roster throughout the 1990’s. After a seven-year absence beginning in 2000, Moreno was recalled to Bolivia’s Copa America roster in June of 2007. He immediately made his presence felt, scoring two goals in three matches en route to victories against Venezuela and Peru. Moreno featured in Bolivia’s 2010 World Cup qualifying matches, and he even participated in an international friendly at RFK Stadium between Bolivia and Guatemala on August 6, 2008. Following a momentous draw against Brazil in World Cup qualifying on September 10, 2008, Moreno announced his retirement from international play. He played his final match for Bolivia during a 2-0 friendly loss to El Salvador at RFK Stadium on October 22, 2008.
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