Blanco's star power making a mark
Mexican striker has raised Fire's profile, competitiveness
With his amazing skills and inspiring leadership abilities, Blanco has grabbed the attention of soccer enthusiasts and journalists alike and is currently gracing the current covers of no less than four sports publications: ESPN Deportes Magazine, Mexico's Soccermanía, Fox Sports en Español Magazine and Sports Illustrated Latino.
Although he arrived with remarkably less fanfare than this year's other high profile signing David Beckham, "Temo" has surpassed all expectations, converting the Fire into of MLS's most fearsome teams. When the Mexican idol joined the Men in Red, Chicago was wandering hopelessly in the bottom of the standings, showing little or no signs of life. However, the "Blanco Effect" was felt immediately in the Windy City, and since July 29, Blanco's official MLS debut, the Fire has only lost two games and is in the midst of the Playoff run.
Even though his three goals and six assists speak for themselves, Blanco's contributions to the Fire go way beyond mere numbers.
"I don't think it's necessary to explain what he does for the team. It's incredible how every ball that goes through him creates scoring opportunities. He's a player that has done amazing things, all the while arriving in the league without as much noise as other players", claims Chicago Head Coach Juan Carlos Osorio.
For his part, Blanco avoids any star labels like the plague, always prioritizing team achievements over personal glories. As long as he maintains his current level of play, the press will continue to gush over his prowess on the pitch.
It should be mentioned that el Temo isn't the only MLS Designated Players of Hispanic origin that's leaving his mark on American pop culture. When he's not terrorizing opposing goalies, Colombian Juan Pablo Angel of the New York Red Bulls is also stealing headlines for his non-soccer attributes and is one of People en Español´s 10 Sexiest Men.
Jaime Uribarri is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
