Is Jaime Moreno MLS’ Best Player Ever?

By: Bob | August 23rd, 2007

On Wednesday Night Jaime Moreno etched his name in the MLS record books by becoming the league’s all-time leading goal scorer. His 109th goal, scored on a penalty kick (his 33rd goal from the penalty spot in his career) in DC United’s 3-1 victory over Red Bull New York, moved him past Jason Kreis on the goal scoring list. Moreno has been a force in MLS for 11 years now. In fact, you could make the case that he is the greatest player in league history.

By greatest I mean the player who has achieved the most in the league – - not a player like Claudio Reyna who has had an excellent career outside of MLS.

A look at Moreno’s numbers show that in addition to scoring the most goals he is currently third all-time in shots on goal (346), fifth all-time in game-winning goals (24) and multi-goal games (15), fifth all-time in total shots (602), sixth all-time in assists (87) and eighth all time in games played (262). He is also a six-time all-star, a five-time member of the league’s Best XI and he has lifted the MLS Cup four times with DC United.

At the age of 33 he has lost a step or two, but he still has four goals (all penalties) and four assists in 13 league games this season.

What do you think? Does this resume make him the best in MLS history or are there other players you would rank ahead of him? Perhaps someone else from the league’s all-time Best XI team?

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Category: MLS, World Football

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Andy

It's certainly not el Diablo. Etcheverry had four great years, but polluted his record four crap ones. Jaime definitely stakes a claim. Preki, the only two time MVP would be in the running as well.
Longshoe

I'd have to say yes as well, no one has accomplished as much in MLS as Moreno. There's been some unbelievable players and performances, but Jaime's done it all.

Preki would be high on my list as well, along with El Diablo.
Jeff Bull

Seeing as I said as much on DCenters, I can answer this one pretty quickly: Yup. Etcheverry was a hell of a player in his day, but no one has done it like Moreno in MLS - and for as long. For me, he's all-time best hands down and will be hard to top; he does - or, to be a little cruel about it - did so many different things for his team's offense. Moreno isn't totally past it; he still does it these days, but only from time to time.
Peter

I'd go with Marco Etcheverry. I always thought he was more valuable than Moreno during D.C.'s golden years.