æWe deserve to win’

D.C. United forward Jaime Moreno has been recalled to the Bolivian national team along with Marco Etcheverry for the Copa America. SOCCER AMERICA: Are there any major differences between playing for Bruce Arena and playing for Thomas Rongen? JAIME MORENO: They are different persons, but both are coaches that like to win, and don’t care as much about defending as [they do] about attack. SA: Does it get frustrating playing against teams that rely on defense against D.C.? JM: Yes. The other day [June 13], we play Columbus, and they stayed in their half of the field, even though they were at home. I won’t say they were afraid, but they were careful. A lot of people thought, because they moved so many players, that it was all over for D.C. I think we’ve showed we are still the best team in the league. SA: You played in England with Middlesbrough. How would D.C. fare in the Premiership? JM: We played Leeds once, and we tied. We would do well, but I don’t know what the result would be. SA: Did you expect to have such great success in MLS? JM: To be honest, it is a lot. We have a great team, and we show on the field we deserve to win. We beat the best team in South America, we beat the best team in Mexico. What can you say? SA: How difficult was it for you to fill in for Marco Etcheverry in midfield? JM: I don’t think I play as well as Marco, but I did my best. SA: Bolivia finished second at the Copa America in 1997. Doesn’t this put great pressure on you and Marco this summer? JM: We have a big responsibility. We lost in the final in 1997 [to Brazil], and we have to try to do as well. There are new people and a new coach [Hector Veira], but at times it was hard for D.C. to let us go for friendly games. From the first day he was there, he told us we were in his plan. Most of the players, we know each other. Maybe tactics will change a little bit, but I don’t expect much to be different. SA: Are you confident the team can do well? JM: If I didn’t feel confident, I wouldn’t go. It’s a great tournament and we have a good chance. by Soccer America Senior Editor Ridge Mahoney