D.C. United has announced that MLS all-time goal scoring leader Jaime Moreno has been called up to the Bolivian National Team for an international friendly match against Peru in Lima on Wednesday, September 12. Moreno will miss next Wednesday's League game at RFK Stadium against Real Salt Lake, which is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Moreno has enjoyed a major resurgence in international duty this year. 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 1990s. The most recent call-up is the third time this season that Bolivia has called on the 33-year-old striker. The first came on May 26 in a friendly against Ireland. Moreno then participated in the 2007 Copa America with his National side. 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.
Despite injuries and international obligations, Moreno became the MLS's all-time leading scorer with his 109th goal on August 22nd, 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. Moreno added to his scoring account with a goal, his 110th career tally, in yesterday's 4-2 victory over New England.
With the win over the Revolution, United (14-6-4, 46 points) sits in first place in Major League Soccer, four points clear of New England in the Eastern Conference. A win on Wednesday guarantees the Black-and-Red a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
