Major League Soccer

Moreno dominates play, scores twice for United in defusing Miami 2-0.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Saturday, October 16, 1999) -- It's hard to ask a player to perform better than being voted his team's most valuable player, but that is what D.C. United coach asked of striker Jaime Moreno.

Moreno complied with his coach's wishes, providing both goals in a thoroughly dominating performance that sparked United to a 2-0 decision over the Miami Fusion in the opener of their best-of-three Major League Soccer Eastern Conference semifinal before 18,011 at RFK Stadium tonight.

There is one area (assistant coach) Dave (Sarachan) and I stressed with Jaime last week and that was he had to become more dangerous as a goal scorer," Rongen said. "He is too good a player to score 10 goals a year. He took the message and ran with it.

In a five-minute period, with the match scoreless midway through the first half, Moreno nearly found net twice and on two other occasions nearly connected with fellow forward Roy Lassiter for strikes. Moreno hit the crossbar with a short header and then drilled a low 18-yarder that beat goalkeeper Jeff Cassar, but rang the left goalpost.

"I feel when you try is the most important thing," Moreno said. "I knew the goals were going to come. I never get frustrated.

Moreno had 10 goals (and 13 assists) in the regular season after two consecutive seasons of 16 tallies, although the depth of his game grew this season. In the 34th minute, he put the finishing touches on a combination of passes that put United ahead 1-0.

Defender Jeff Agoos took a ball away from Fusion striker Welton on the D.C. side of the center stripe and he quickly touched a pass to Moreno. Moreno carried quickly toward the top left of the penalty area before sending the ball left to playmaker Marco Etcheverry. Moreno circled behind Etcheverry, took a return pass in the 18-yard-line arc and drove a low shot 19 yards deep into the right corner.

"Jaime clearly demonstrated why he was chosen the MVP," Rongen said. "Especially in the first half he played extremely well. His ability to hold onto balls, break down defenses, his one-on-one from deep positions . . . It's such a luxury to have a player like that."

In the 88th minute, Moreno iced the victory. With Miami throwing everybody forward trying to toe, Etcheverry fought for control and started a quick counter. He pushed a pass forward to defender Carey Tally who took on defender Brian Kamler. Talley held the ball until Moreno's marker Leo Cullen took a step toward the ball and Talley threaded a pass to Moreno on his right. Moreno carried into the right side of the box, and with Cassar,having charged forward toward Talley, unable to get fully back, Moreno launched his shot inside the near post for the 2-0 final.

With the second goal, Moreno has accumulated seven goals and seven assists for 21 points in 16 playoff games, overtaking teammate Roy Lassiter (10 goals, 20 points) as the postseason points leader.

Missing regular central defender, United relied heavily on the play of backs Eddie Pope and Jeff Agoos on the wing with Talley replacing Llamosa in the other center spot. Though Miami generated several nice runs, the Fusion only managed to put two shots on frame, both late in the second half.

"Unbelievable, how well the defense played today," United keeper Tom Presthus said. "I think I had one save today. It's an enjoyable game an enjoyable game when it's like that. We just have to keep the intensity, I think."

D.C. United improved to 9-2 all-time against the Fusion, 3-0 in the playoffs. The Fusion will host the second leg of the series Sunday, October 24 at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., at 1 p.m. (ET), televised on Univision.

D.C. United 2, Miami Fusion 0

Referee: Tim Weyland. Referee's assistants: Greg Barkey, Todd Perry. Attendance: 18,011 at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. Weather: Clear, 68 degrees.