In a short period of time, in so many ways, Cuauhtémoc Blanco has changed the Chicago Fire atmosphere.
On the field, the results are pretty evident: a 4-2-2 record, three goals & five assists, and he has pushed the Fire into the eighth and final playoff spot.
In the community, he has connected with Chicago's large Mexican-American community. Even Chivas fans (this one included) are willing to put aside his time with Club America and give him our support. He was asked to be the Grand Marshall for the 16th of September parade this past weekend - quite an honor for somebody who has only been here a couple months (story link below).
http://www.mlsnet.com/news/team_news.jsp?ymd=20070917&content_id=117687&vkey=pr_chf&fext=.jsp&team=t100
The biggest change though, seems to be the change in atmosphere at Fire home matches. Besides the larger crowds (near capacity), fans are actually starting to pay attention to the match instead of wondering what they'll eat or drink next. It's great to see young kids watching the match and reacting to the play on the field instead of asking mom or dad for another slice of pizza. Indeed, the youngsters are very savvy soccer wise and they are generating a lot of the atmosphere each time Blanco gets the ball.
Section 8 continues to organize a constant buzz through the matches but it's now being augmented by fans throughout the park on a regular basis. There are plenty of Blanco supporters who have been fans of his play with Club America & El Tri but now, many are supporting the Fire while wearing the Blanco Fire #10 shirts and t-shirts. Each flick, each backheel, each expertly weighted pass is drawing oohs, ahhs, and applause whether it results in goals or not. It's the magic that people want to see, the beautiful football/soccer/futbol that makes people smile & shout.
MLS has always prided itself on a being a tough league with hard tackles and end to end activity. What often has been missing is the creativity and subtlety. Players like NYRB's Dave van den Bergh can complain about what he perceives as diving and how this is not the tough play MLS players like. However, I think he misses the point that a foul is a foul and it can't be excused just because MLS players like to play tough. The game should be about creating chances and bringing something special to the game.
Blanco has brought that magic to Toyota Park.
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