HOUSTON — Jaime Moreno was clearly surprised at being named to the All-Star roster last week, but the nod—in many ways a recognition of his 15-year-MLS career—has given him a chance to reflect on his past.
However, after the 2010 All-Stars wrapped up their first practice together on a hot and humid morning in Houston, Moreno hinted, albeit obliquely, at his future in MLS.
"I've got some options," the 37-year-old D.C. United forward said. "I have talked to [United president Kevin Payne], and we're going to make a decision in the next couple of weeks about my future will be."
Moreno is the last remaining MLS original—that his, he has played in every MLS season since the league's inaugural campaign of 1996. He was the first player to tally 100 goals and 100 assists in MLS, and he is the all-time leading goalscorer with 132 tallies. He signed a one-year contract with the club in Februrary.
The Bolivian retired from international soccer in 2008, and his inclusion into this year's All-Star team raised questions about whether he was planning to retire after this season—at least in MLS.
"[The All-Star selection] doesn't mean I'm going to retire from soccer, but it could be my last MLS All-Star Game, so I'm really pleased that the commissioner made that decision," Moreno said. "I'm pretty happy that they brought me here—even though I didn't think I deserved it because of the tough year that we've had."
Moreno has one goal through Week 17, but he looked sharp in training on Monday, twice burying long-range efforts past Dynamo backup keeper Tyler Deric as the team worked through shooting drills. If he gets the chance to represent the All-Stars against one of the world's best, he said he'll be more than satisfied.
"It's one of the top games [in my career] because you don't have the opportunity to play these games very often," he said. "Even though [Manchester United] are in their preseason, they are still trying to find their shape, and they try to get better and better every game. I'm sure they don't want to lose to an American team. It will be a good game."
