With a right-footed penalty kick into the lower right corner of RFK Stadium's south goal in the eighth minute of D.C. United's 5-1 win against Columbus, Jaime Moreno joined the most exclusive club in Major League Soccer on Wednesday night as he became only the second player in league history to notch 100 career goals.
Even for a superstar with World Cup experience, four MLS Cup titles and numerous other honors to his name, it was a special moment. Afterwards, the D.C. United captain looked back at the distinguished 11-year career that began midway through the debut season of MLS after he left English Premiership outfit Middlesbrough to join the fledgling league.
"I never think long in the future, I always think in the present," said Moreno, "and I don't think anybody thought I was going to play this long. But that's part of life, part of the game and I'm really glad. And I really appreciate all the people that believed in me. They still believe in me and my game, and hopefully I'll continue to keep playing the game that I love."
The unassuming Bolivian has prospered in the nation's capital, endearing himself to United's dedicated supporters and becoming the face of the league's most successful club. Though he wore his native country's colors in international competition, Moreno clearly takes pride in the role he's played as a soccer pioneer in his adopted home.
"The United States is the place where I got adopted and I appreciate all the people that let me play in this country and also to you guys, all the press, for all the contribution to this league," said the 32-year-old. "At the end of the day, all these good things happen for a reason and the good reason is to make this league better."
His coach and fellow players were quick to pay tribute.
"If you have four championship rings and play like that, get older every year and still have energy, still have a smile on your face," marveled D.C. boss Peter Nowak. "He's a great example for our young players, because Jaime leads all the time by example. He trains like that, he plays like that, so that means a lot to this team - but it also means a lot to me."
Alecko Eskandarian has been Moreno's strike partner for the last three seasons, and described himself as "honored" to have earned the penalty kick that gave the veteran his 100th goal.
"One hundred goals, man, that's ridiculous," said Eskandarian. "I think 100 games is amazing, and he's got 100 goals. It's a great achievement on his part, and he's obviously meant so much to this club and to the fans. I'm just glad he got to do it at home, so the fans got to see it. He's got 100, but I'm sure he's not going to stop now, so we're going to keep feeding the big dog and letting him do his thing."
Real Salt Lake striker and all-time MLS goal leader Jason Kreis is the only other member of the century club, and with both players still key members of their respective club's attack, fans could be treated to a compelling scoring race as Moreno looks to chase down Kreis and his record 103 tallies.
But the always-humble Moreno is quick to downplay any such competition, and the focus on his own statistics that it would represent.
"Jason is a guy that has worked hard to achieve that kind of goals (total), and it's not going to be easy," he said. "And at the same time, I don't worry about myself. All these goals have come from my teammates and I always want to be appreciative of them."
Charles Boehm is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
