The club’s 15th anniversary match is just around the corner on Wednesday, October 3. One of the special guests set to be in attendance along with former captains Peter Nowak and Chris Armas is legendary Mexico and Fire midfielder Cuauhtemoc Blanco.
“I’m really happy about coming back to Chicago after a really long time,” said Blanco. “I’m happy that amongst the Club directors, club owner, and the people of the Fire, they have named me for the invitation and recognition.”
Considered by many as the best Designated Player signing in Major League Soccer history, at the time, many questioned if the then 34-year-old Blanco was coming to the league as an early retirement home.
The inspirational Mexican attacker would soon prove doubters wrong, bringing a type of flair that has rarely been seen in the league when he joined the Fire midway through the 2007 season. That year the team certainly needed him, having won only four of 16 matches before his first competitive appearance in a 3-0 victory at Toronto FC on July 29.
Blanco would go on to tally four goals (one of which was named Goal of the Year) and seven assists in 14 games, helping the Fire clinch a postseason berth on the last day of the season. In the playoffs, the man that made famous the “bunny hop” would help the Fire to the first of three straight conference championship matches but would get to know a familiar feeling, falling 1-0 to New England at the final hurdle before MLS Cup.
The next season was arguably Blanco’s best in MLS, recording seven goals and 11 assists over 27 matches. Named to the MLS All-Star team that year, Blanco tallied a 45 minute goal and was named the game’s Most Valuable Player as the MLS XI defeated West Ham United 3-2 at BMO Field in Toronto.
The Fire clinched a playoff berth much sooner that season, navigating past Kansas City in the first round to advance to another Eastern Conference final at Columbus. Though holding a 1-0 halftime lead, the side fell victim to two second half goals, eventually falling just short again of an MLS Cup appearance.
The 2009 season saw the Fire once again earn a playoff berth and negotiate through a tough first round series against bitter rivals New England. It was in the second leg of the home and home contest that Blanco scored perhaps his most memorable goal in a Fire shirt.
WATCH: #Fire15 Memorable Matches 10-12
And perhaps that’s his lasting legacy in the Windy City. While the Fire came just short of championship appearances, Blanco entertained while making the team better, all the while helping the club further an important connection with a strong community in Chicago.
As for being welcomed back to Toyota Park next week, the transcendent figure is honored to be part of the club’s 15th anniversary celebration.
“It makes me very content and happy. That’s recognition of all the hard work you gave while with the club. I’m excited to come back to Chicago.”
Come celebrate the Fire's 15th anniversary with Cuauhtémoc Blanco Wednesday October 3rd as the Fire take on Philadelphia at 7:30pm CLICK HERE for tickets.