After all the fanfare and the media build-up, it was a night of mixed emotions at RFK Stadium Saturday night: Jaime Moreno scored in his final game for the club he had served for fourteen years, but United lost, 3-2, ending the worst season in club history.

Underscoring the significance of the Bolivian player’s contributions — not only to the club, but to professional soccer in this country — Moreno was honored in a pre-game ceremony that featured Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber and former teammates John Harkes, Eddie Pope and late arrival Marco Etcheverry. Five leaders of United’s adoring supporters groups were also on the field, representing the club’s “12th man” with whom Moreno has enjoyed a special bond.

The proceedings took place before a crowd of 18,071 — the third-largest of the season — many of whom displayed tribute banners or flags lauding their departing hero. One side of the upper deck had even been decorated to spell out Moreno’s jersey number and name, one enormous character per section. Moreno, his wife and children all stood strong through tributes, hand-shakes, hugs and presentations.