Sports Talk: Moreno to Chase Copa America

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D.C. UNITED CAPTAIN Jaime Moreno will put his quest to become MLS' all-time leading goal-scorer on hold for at least a month in order to chase a much bigger prize — the Copa America.

Just one goal shy of the record, Moreno left Washington yesterday to join the Bolivian national team in preparation for the upcoming South American championship, which is the planet's longest-running international tournament and which will feature the U.S. and Mexico as guests. The competition runs June 26 to July 15 in Venezuela, and Moreno will miss at least four matches for D.C. and possibly more.

"I've worked hard the last couple of years to earn this opportunity to get back on the national team," said Moreno, who last played for Bolivia in 2000.

D.C. coach Tom Soehn called Moreno "a professional" and said any such player would "strive to push their experience as far as they can. Playing for your country, no matter young or old, is a huge honor."

Unbeaten in six games, United (4-3-2) has some options up front. Fred, who has been playing wide midfield, is more accustomed to a withdrawn attacking role, while Guy-Roland Kpene and Nicholas Addlery have shown promise. It is unclear whether any D.C. players will be called in to the U.S. national team for the tournament.

"This is why you want a deep team," Soehn said.

Written by Express contributor Brian Straus
Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post