On June 16, Jaime Moreno will bring his DC United U23 team to Finley Stadium to play Chattanooga FC. Moreno was the Major League Soccer all-time leading scorer in 2010, when he retired, and the first Bolivian to play in the English Premiership. Now, he is the coach of DC United’s U23 side.
Sheldon Grizzle of Chattanooga FC is thrilled about Moreno’s visit: “It is exciting to host one of the greatest players from the MLS here in Chattanooga.
He really enjoyed his time here last year and we hope to provide a good all-around experience for him and his team again this year.” Grizzle realizes that a desire to visit Chattanooga by one of the all-time soccer greats means that Chattanooga is building a club with a stellar reputation.
Garnering the interest of a soccer icon who is still an active player in Major League Soccer is certainly something to be excited about; even more so, Grizzle is happy that the Chattanooga FC players will have the chance to interact with the professional side of the game: “One of Chattanooga FC's main goals is to prepare players that are interested in playing professionally. Matches like this friendly against DC United are important because they give young players the exposure to the professional game that they can't get when they play for other amateur teams.”
Chattanooga FC player and Soddy Daisy High coach Moises Drumond is looking forward to playing in front of Moreno: “It’s always exciting to play in front of such a legion.” Additionally, Drumond is interested in observing the style of play that Moreno is able to produce through his coaching: “It will be interesting to see how he translates his experience into coaching, to see what system of play arises: possession-oriented or direct-style.”
Moreno has also done his part to ensure the Chattanooga FC stands will be full. Shannon Hill, a local soccer mom, heard that Moreno was coming to Chattanooga and has decided she would rather go to the Chattanooga FC game than use the time to plan for her upcoming wedding: “I couldn’t think of a better girl’s night out than a Chattanooga FC game with Jaime Moreno on the field.”
For fans, players, and coaches alike, Moreno certainly adds a new level of interest to the Chattanooga soccer scene.
Chattanooga FC will play DC United U23 on Saturday, June 16, 2012 at Finley. The game begins at 7:00pm (Eastern). For more information: http://chattanoogafc.com/.