D.C. United announced today that MLS all-time goal scoring leader Jaime Moreno has been called up to the Bolivian National Team for World Cup qualifying games this Saturday and next Wednesday. Moreno will represent his country in Uruguay on October 13 and at home against Colombia on October 17. With the call-up, Moreno will miss United's home game against Chicago Fire on Saturday, October 13, which is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET. United's captain will return to Washington, DC next week and is scheduled to be available for selection in United's final regular season match against the Columbus Crew on October 20.
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.</p>
Despite the 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 has since added to his scoring account, most recently with his 112th career goal in a 4-1 victory over Toronto FC on September 29.</p>
D.C. United is currently riding a League-best, 12-game unbeaten streak and stands atop the Major League Soccer standings, five points ahead of the New England Revolution in the Eastern Conference. Tickets to United's highly anticipated match-ups with the Fire and the Crew, as well as for home playoff games and MLS Cup, are available via www.dcunited.com or by calling 202-587-5000.
