Jaime Moreno, 31, is one of the most productive players in the 10-year history of Major League Soccer, scoring 87 goals and winning four MLS Cups. But D.C. United's Bolivian forward is more than a scorer. He has the ability to create goal opportunities thanks to his great vision of play, that's why he has 92 assists in 207 MLS games.
Last season Moreno made a comeback after suffering a back injury that forced him to have surgery in 2003. After his recovery he scored seven goals and 14 assists, winning MLS Cup 2004. This season he has already scored nine goals. Moreno wants to prove in the Trofeo Bernabéu his quality and his scoring talent.
Moreno: Being here is a blessing, Real Madrid is one of the best clubs in the World and undoubtly [Tuesday's match between the MLS Select Team and Real Madrid] will be a nice experience. I wish all present take advantage of this chance and enjoy a great game.
Playing against Real Madrid with all their big stars, which player would you choose?
JM: Yeah, Real Madrid has so many stars, they are a team with lots of potential. It's not easy to choose one. They have so many good players, great professionals with good soccer. I think I will choose Ronaldo, he is a natural scorer.
How does MLS Select prepare for Tuesday's game?
JM: We're simply here to play soccer and to try to prove that level of soccer in the US keeps growing. We have lots of respect for Real Madrid, although we want to proce that we also know how to play soccer. We'd like to contribute with our own talent so the fans enjoy a great game tonight.
What image does Real Madrid have in the United States?
It's the same image Real Madrid has in the rest of the world -- a good one, a very good image. Having the players they have, everybody knows the importance of Real Madrid, that's why we have to take advantage of the opportunity to play here, it does not happen every day.
Do people understand soccer differently in the U.S.?
In the U.S., each team and coach thinks differently, but most coaches know and use the same systems. Differences are little from here to there.
This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
