The History of the Moment

Thursday's game has every chance of being a very important match in the history of MLS. An event that will cap the first 12 years of Major League Soccer's existence, and finally after a long wait validate the worth of an impressive soccer career. No, not Beckham. I mean, of course, that Jaime Moreno may well become the all-time leading scorer in the history of the league.

You may have forgotten that Moreno is that close to MLS History. Unlike certain other sports that have had long drawn out chases of the record books, MLS hasn't really made a big deal of Moreno. Part of this is that Jason only set the all-time mark last year, so it hasn't been around that long. Part of it is that whatever number Moreno ends with will likely be surpassed within a few seasons yet again. Part of it is that Moreno has played sparingly between Copa call-ups and a few nagging injuries. And perhaps part of it is that Moreno has scored only three goals this season, all from the penalty spot and is in the endgame of his career. But if he scores, no matter how it happens, on Thursday or whenever, it should be still be honored. The game should pause, briefly, to acknowledge the moment. It is a testament to a player that never quite earned the Player of the Year accolades he deserved (that 2004 award to Guevara looking more and more suspect as time wears on). It is a testament to a league that has a history that extends before the Designated Player rules were developed. And if it should happen Thursday, on National Television, then that is the right time.

Finally, you probably haven't noticed, but I haven't been posting much recently. There always seems to be a one month period in the summer when work conspires against me, and right now this is that moment. Fortunately, Kinney and Oscar have things covered. I hope to resume my normal duties as soon as I can. Along those lines, I won't be at the game on Thursday, since I'll likely be on travel for my job. At least I know that someone else will have that ticket.