CARSON, CA - Los Angeles Galaxy forward Alejandro Moreno has obtained his green card from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the club announced today. With the acquisition of his permanent resident status, Moreno will no longer count as a Senior International player on the Galaxy's roster.
"This is great news for both Alejandro and for our club," said Galaxy President and General Manager Doug Hamilton. "His green card status will provide greater flexibility to our club, it allows us to go out and sign a Senior International player should we decide to go in that direction."
Major League Soccer rules presently allow a maximum of three Senior International players per team. With the change in Moreno's status, the Galaxy will have one SI opening on their roster. The club's two other Senior International spots are presently filled by Guatemalan forward Carlos Ruiz and Austrian midfielder Andreas Herzog.
"It's exciting for Alejandro. Not only is he now a permanent resident, but he also becomes a much more valuable asset for our team," said Galaxy Head Coach Sigi Schmid.
Moreno has been with the Galaxy since the club selected him in the third round of the 2002 MLS SuperDraft (27th overall). The graduate of UNC-Greensboro has played in 54 regular season games in his three-year career - 25 of them starts. He has scored 12 goals and contributed six assists for a total of 30 points.
"Permanent resident status gives me and my family a sense of stability and security, not only in this country but with the club as well," said Moreno. "It's a long process that I am glad to have completed. In the end, I have achieved permanent residence and I'm pretty happy about it."
Thus far in 2004, the native of Barquisimeto, Venezuela, has appeared in 18 games - eight of them starts and has scored six goals and added two assists for 14 points, all of which tie career-highs for the third-year striker, equaling marks he set in 2003. He recorded a hat trick in a match May 19 at D.C. United - and scored goals on his first five shots of the season, establishing an MLS record.
The 25-year-old forward, a member of the Galaxy's MLS Cup Championship team in 2002, has made two appearances for the Venezuela national team, both of them coming in international friendlies. Additionally, he was on the bench as Venezuela shocked hosts Uruguay in Montevideo 3-0 this past March 31 in a qualifier to the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany.
After concluding a month-long road trip that dates back to a July 14 game at Invesco Field at Mile High against the Colorado Rapids, the Galaxy will return to the friendly confines of The Home Depot Center for a contest against the Columbus Crew on Saturday, August 14 at 7 pm. The first 10,000 fans in attendance will receive a Galaxy jersey key ring courtesy of Proctor & Gamble and a Kohl's Galaxy cheer card. For more information or to order tickets, please call the Galaxy ticket office toll-free at 1-877-3GALAXY.
