News (Noticias) Tagged ‘Cuauhtemoc Blanco’

The historic Pasadena Civic Auditorium was filled with stars from both the sports and entertainment worlds as the first-ever annual “Tecate Premios Deportes” (Tecate Sports Awards) honoring Hispanic athletes in nine different categories was broadcast last night by Univision, the most-watched Spanish-language television network in America.

Selected for their character, talent and perseverance, as well as their contributions to and impact on the Hispanic community, the “Tecate Premios Deportes” awards featured not only some of the biggest names in sports, but also performances by some of today’s biggest Latin music stars, as well.

Among those honored in the various categories were Oscar de la Hoya (Golden Eagle Award), Miguel Cotto (Boxer of the Year), Lorena Ochoa (Female Athlete of the Year), Carmelo Anthony (Basketball Player of the Year), Helio Castroneves (Auto Racer of the Year), Alex Rodriguez (Baseball Player of the Year), Mexican soccer great Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Athlete of the Year, North American Soccer Player of the Year), and Fernando Valenzuela (Sports Legend), to name a few.
The show itself proved to be as big as the stars it was honoring as the celebrity-filled audience was entertained by musical performances by such Latin music superstars as regional Mexican group Banda El Recodo, red-hot reggaeton crooner Flex, Mexican singer/actress Paty Manterola, Puerto Rican merengue great Elvis Crespo, duranguense singer Diana Reyes, and urban recording artists A.B. Quintanilla and the Kumbia All Starz.

The judging criteria for the awards included the athletes’ statistical excellence, participation in a televised professional sport in the United States during 2007, cumulative impact on their team and in the sport, and their reputation as a role model for the Hispanic community.

Univision.com (keyword: Tecate Premios Deportes) features exclusive post-show coverage of the winners, with video and photo highlights from the green carpet and the most memorable show moments. In addition, fans can vote for their favorites from the green carpet, including the most elegant, the most extravagant and the best couples that graced the walkway. “Tecate Premios Deportes” is engaging online fans after the show with this seamless merger of sports and entertainment.
To download photographs of the event, please visit ftp.univision.net.
Username: tecatepremiosdeporte
Password: univision

Following is the complete list of “Tecate Premios Deportes 2008″
winners:

Sports Legend (Leyenda de Deportes)
Fernando Valenzuela

Golden Eagle Award (Aguila de Oro)
Oscar de la Hoya

Male Athlete of the Year (Atleta Masculino del Ano)
Cuauhtemoc Blanco

Female Athlete of the Year (Atleta Femenina del Ano)
Lorena Ochoa

North American Soccer (Mexican and American Leagues) Player of the
Year
(Jugador de Futbol del Ano)
Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Chicago Fire

All-Star Soccer Team of the Year (Equipo Estelar de Futbol del Ano)

Goalie (Mejor Portero)
Guillermo Ochoa, Club America

Right Fullback (Defensa Lateral Derecho)
Ivan Estrada, Santos

Right Center Defender (Defensa Central Derecho)
Jonny Magallon, Chivas

Left Center Defender (Defensa Central Izquierdo)
Felipe Baloy, Monterrey

Left Fullback (Defensa Lateral Izquierdo)
Oscar Rojas, Club America

Defensive Midfielder (Mediocampista Defensivo)
Gerardo Torrado, Cruz Azul

Mixed Midfielder (Mediocampista Mixto)
Ramon Morales, Chivas

Offensive Midfielder (Mediocampista Ofensivo)
Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Chicago Fire

1st Forward (Delantero 1)
Omar Bravo, Chivas

2nd Forward (Delantero 2)
Salvador Cabanas, Club America

3rd Forward (Delantero 3)
Juan Carlos Cacho, Pachuca

Boxer of the Year (Boxeador del Ano)
Miguel Cotto

American Football Player of the Year (Jugador de Futbol Americano del
Ano)
Tony Gonzalez, Kansas City Chiefs

Basketball Player of the Year (Jugador del Baloncesto del Ano)
Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets

Auto Racer of the Year (Piloto de Automovilismo del Ano)
Helio Castroneves, Indy Car

Baseball Player of the Year (Jugador del Beisbol del Ano)
Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees

All-Star Baseball Team of the Year (Equipo Estelar de Beisbol del Ano)

Pitcher (Lanzador)
Johan Santana, New York Mets

Catcher (Receptor)
Jorge Posada, New York Yankees

1st Base (Primera Base)
Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals

2nd Base (Segunda Base)
Robinson Cano, New York Yankees

3rd Base (Tercera Base)
Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees

Shortstop (Campo Corto)
Jose Reyes, New York Mets

Outfielder (Jardinero)
Manny Ramirez, Boston Red Sox

Designated Hitter (Bateador Designado)
David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox

Reliever (Relevista)
Rafael Betancourt, Cleveland Indians

Closer (Cerrador)
Francisco Rodriguez, Los Angeles Angels

Manager (Manager)
Ozzie Guillen, Chicago White Sox

About Univision Communications Inc.
Univision Communications Inc. is the premier Spanish-language media company in the United States. Its operations include Univision Network, the most-watched Spanish-language broadcast television network in the U.S. reaching 97% of U.S. Hispanic Households; TeleFutura Network, a general-interest Spanish-language broadcast television network, which was launched in 2002 and now reaches 85% of U.S. Hispanic Households; Galavision, the country’s leading Spanish-language cable network; Univision Television Group, which owns and operates 63 television stations in major U.S. Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico; Univision Radio, the leading Spanish-language radio group which owns and/or operates 70 radio stations in 16 of the top 25 U.S. Hispanic markets and 5 stations in Puerto Rico; and Univision Online, the premier Spanish-language Internet destination in the U.S. located at www.univision.com. Univision Communications also has a 50% interest in TuTv, a joint venture formed to broadcast Televisa’s pay television channels in the U.S. Univision Communications has television network operations in Miami and television and radio stations and sales offices in major cities throughout the United States.
For more information, please visit www.univision.net.

About FEMSA/Heineken USA
Heineken USA is committed to the responsible sale, marketing and consumption of our products. That is why we ask our consumers in all of our advertising to ‘Enjoy Heineken Responsibly’ but we recognize that this message is not enough. We build upon that message with the creation of and contribution to programs and organizations that educate our employees and consumers about the issues associated with beverage alcohol and provide tools and training to help ensure the responsible consumption of our products.

Headquartered in White Plains, New York, Heineken USA Inc., the nation’s premiere beer importer is a subsidiary of Heineken International B.V. (Netherlands), which is the world’s most international brewer. Besides the FEMSA portfolio, Heineken USA imports Heineken Lager, the world’s most international beer brand; Heineken Premium Light; Heineken Dark Lager; Amstel Light, a leading imported light beer brand; and Buckler non-alcoholic brew. Please visit www.EnjoyHeinekenResponsibly.com.
Founded in 1890, FEMSA is the largest integrated beverage company in Latin America with a portfolio of leading beer and soft drink brands. Its subsidiary FEMSA Cerveza is one of the leading brewers in Mexico with brands that include Tecate, Dos Equis and Sol. Its subsidiary Coca-Cola FEMSA is the largest Coca-Cola bottler in Latin America and the second largest in the world. FEMSA sells its products through approximately two million points of sale, which serve a population of over 170 million people in nine countries, including some of the most populous metropolitan areas in Latin America, such as Mexico City, Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires. FEMSA’s manufacturing and distribution capabilities are enhanced by its retail and packaging operations; it operates Oxxo, the largest convenience store chain in Mexico, with over 3,000 stores as of June 2004. For more information on FEMSA, go to www.femsa.com.

Nominees for the first ever annual “Tecate Premios Deportes” (Tecate Sports Awards) were announced today by Univision, the most-watched Spanish-language television network in America. Comprised of Hispanic athletes in ten different categories, the nominees have been selected for their talent, character and perseverance, as well as their contributions to and impact on the Hispanic community. The “Tecate Premios Deportes” awards will be presented during a celebrity-filled “red carpet” celebration at the historic Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California, and will be broadcast on the Univision Network on Sunday, July 20^th.

The “Tecate Premios Deportes” nominees were selected by a distinguished panel of current and former professional athletes and sports writers, including famed boxer Oscar de la Hoya; legendary Mexican soccer goalie Jorge Campos; retired NFL player Tony Casillas; NFL Hall of Fame recipient Anthony Muñoz; former Mexican soccer coach Jesus Bracamontes; and Enrique Borja, legendary Mexican forward and team president of the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL) Tigres.

The judging criteria for the awards included the athletes’ statistical excellence, participation in a televised professional sport in the United States during 2007, cumulative impact on their team and in the sport, and their reputation as a role model for the Hispanic community.

“The Academy went through an arduous selection process to identify the nominees. We wanted to ensure this event recognized athletes based on their merit and not popularity,” said Oscar de la Hoya, executive member of the “Tecate Premios Deportes” Academy. “We are confident the list encompasses the best Hispanic athletes and look forward to honoring our colleagues at the event airing nationwide on July 20^th on Univision.”

Sports fans have voted for four of these awards at Univision.com (keyword: Tecate Premios Deportes): Atleta Masculino del Año (Male Athlete of the Year), Atleta Femenina del Año (Female Athlete of the Year), Equipo All Star de Béisbol (Baseball All-Star Team) & Equipo All Star de Fútbol (Soccer All-Star Team). In addition, a live, dedicated mini-site provides exclusive coverage of the event and video highlights of the nominees in their finest sports moments. “Tecate Premios Deportes” is the first-ever awards event of its kind, showcasing a seamless merger of sports and entertainment that will reach countless online fans.

In an effort to bring sports aficionados even closer to their heroes, Univision and cerveza Tecate will open the doors to the Pasadena Civic Auditorium and invite them to attend the show, with proceeds of ticket sales going to charity.

Nominees in each category include:

North American Soccer Player of the Year (Mexican and American Leagues)

1. Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Chicago Fire

2. Omar Bravo, Club Deportivo Guadalajara

3. Guillermo Ochoa, Club America

Boxer of the Year

1. Ivan Calderon

2. Miguel Cotto

3. Juan Manuel Marquez

Baseball Hispanic Player of the Year

1. David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox

2. Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals

3. Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees

Basketball Hispanic Player of the Year

1. Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets

2. Pau Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies

3. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs

American Football Hispanic Player of the Year

1. Luis Castillo, San Diego Chargers

2. Tony Gonzales, Kansas City Chiefs

3. Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys

Auto Racer of the Year

1. Juan Pablo Montoya, NASCAR

2. Helio Castroneves, IndyCar

3. Milka Duno, IndyCar

Additionally, fans were invited to nominate their favorite athletes at Univision.com in the following four categories:

Best Hispanic Female Athlete of the Year

1. Maribel Dominguez

2. Milka Duno

3. Paola Espinoza

4. Ana Guevara

5. Lorena Ochoa

6. Vivian Villarreal

Best Hispanic Male Athlete of the Year

1. Omar Bravo

2. Cuauhtemoc Blanco

3. Manu Ginobili

4. Rafael Nadal

5. Alex Rodriguez

6. Tony Romo

All-Star Soccer Team of the Year

Goal Keeper:

1. Guillermo Ochoa, Club America

2. Federico Vilar, Atlante

3. Dario Sala, F.C. Dallas

Right Defense:

1. Israel Castro, UNAM

2. Ivan Estrada, Santos

3. Gonzalo Segares, Chicago Fire

Right Center Defense:

1. Jonny Magallon, Chivas

2. Paulo Da Silva, Toluca

3. Claudio Suarez, Chivas USA

Left Center Defense:

1. Javier Munoz Mustafa, Atlante

2. Felipe Baloy, Monterrey

3. Facundo Erpen, Colorado Rapids

Left Defense:

1. Oscar Rojas, Club America

2. Fausto Pinto, Pachuca

3. Jonathan Bornstein, Chivas USA

Defensive Midfielder:

1. Gerardo Torrado, Cruz Azul

2. Jaime Correa, Pachuca

3. Pablo Ricchetti, F.C. Dallas

Midfielder:

1. Ramon Morales, Chivas

2. Antonio Naelson Zinha, Toluca

3. Juan Carlos Toja, F.C. Dallas

Offensive Midfielder:

1. Emmanuel Luduena, Santos

2. Gabriel Pereyra, Atlante

3. Cuauhtemoc Blanco, Chicago Fire

Forward 1:

1. Esteban Solari, UNAM

2. Omar Bravo, Chivas

3. Luciano Emilio, D.C. United

Forward 2:

1. Giancarlo Maldonado, Atlante

2. Salvador Cabanas, Club America

3. Juan Pablo Angel, New York Red Bull

Forward 3:

1. Vicente Sanchez, Toluca

2. Juan Carlos Cacho, Pachuca

3. Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Columbus Crew

All-Star Baseball Team of the Year

Relievers:

1. Rafael Betancourt, Cleveland Indians

2. JC Romero, Philadelphia Phillies

3. Manny Corpas, Colorado Rockies

Managers:

1. Ozzie Guillen, Chicago White Sox

2. Fredi Gonzalez, Florida Marlins,

3. Manny Acta, Washington Nationals

Closers:

1. Francisco Rodriguez, Los Angeles Angels

2. Jose Valverde, Arizona Diamondbacks

3. Francisco Cordero, Milwaukee Brewers

Pitchers:

1. Fausto Carmona, Cleveland Indians

2. Johan Santana, New York Mets

3. Carlos Zambrano, Chicago Cubs

Catchers:

1. Victor Martinez, Cleveland Indians

2. Ivan Rodriguez, Detroit Tigers

3. Jorge Posada, New York Yankees

Designated Hitters:

1. David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox

2. Jose Vidro, Seattle Mariners

3. Sammy Sosa, Texas Rangers

First Base:

1. Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals

2. Carlos Pena, Tampa Bay Rays

3. Adrian Gonzalez, San Diego Padres

Second Base:

1. Placido Polanco, Detroit Tigers

2. Freddy Sanchez, Pittsburgh Pirates

3. Robinson Cano, New York Yankees

Third Base:

1. Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers

2. Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees

3. Mike Lowell, Boston Red Sox

Shortstop:

1. Hanley Ramirez, Florida Marlins

2. Jose Reyes, New York Mets

3. Orlando Cabrera, Chicago White Sox

Outfielders:

1. Vladimir Guerrero, Los Angeles Angels

2. Alexis Rios, Toronto Blue Jays

3. Alfonso Soriano, Chicago Cubs

4. Raul Ibanez, Seattle Mariners

5. Carlos Beltran, New York Mets

6. Maglio Ordonez, Detroit Tigers

7. Manny Ramirez, Boston Red Sox

8. Bobby Abreu, New York Yankees

9. Carlos Lee, Houston Astros

“*

Cuauhtemoc (pronounced quaw-TEH-mok) Blanco arrived in town last year with a reputation as a great player with an uncanny ability to get under his opponents’ skin. A former Mexican League MVP, where he starred for Club America, and a Mexican national team mainstay, he gained international fame for his blind passes and stutter-step dribble, and international notoriety for his on-field run-ins and theatrical goal celebrations. Not surprisingly, he also gained legions of Mexican fans. When the Fire made the 35-year-old midfielder their first-ever Designated Player last year, they expected he would draw crowds. They haven’t been disappointed.

After Blanco arrived midway through last season, the Fire sold out seven of their remaining nine games at the 20,000-seat Toyota Park. Through five games at Toyota Park this year, attendance is up more than 3,000 per contest compared to last season’s pre-Blanco dates. And then there’s the road factor.”*

To understand what Cuauhtemoc Blanco means to the Chicago Fire on the field, you only need to have seen Saturday’s season opener at Real Salt Lake.

In the dying moments of a mediocre game, the star midfielder’s strike earned the team a 1-1 tie and a point in the standings.

“The important thing is we didn’t lose, and we salvaged a point on the road,” Blanco said Tuesday.”*

*From: http://www.dailyherald.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

Best Buy today announced an exclusive agreement with Cuauhtémoc Blanco, making the Chicago Fire Soccer star the first-ever brand ambassador for North America’s largest consumer electronics retailer.

Blanco, 35, is one of the most accomplished international soccer players and one of the most well-known stars of Major League Soccer. He joined the Chicago Fire in 2007 after having played in the Mexican First League Division since 1992. As part of his agreement with Best Buy, he will work with Best Buy in the U.S. as the brand ambassador for the company’s new Hispanic shopping experience; in addition, he will work closely with Best Buy’s 45 Chicagoland stores to encourage learning through technology among young people.

“Technology is an important part of my life – to stay connected with my family and friends in Mexico and staying productive at home. My work with Best Buy brings two of my passions – soccer and technology – together for a common purpose,” said Blanco. “Best Buy employees are well known for their dedication to their customers, and I share their commitment to excellence. I look forward to the chance to work with the employees in Chicago and meet Best Buy’s customers throughout the U.S.”

In January, Best Buy and the Chicago Fire agreed to a three-year sponsorship, making Best Buy the official presenting sponsor and the first-ever jersey sponsor of the Fire beginning this season. The agreement also incorporates support for the Fire’s community efforts, as Best Buy will serve as a sponsor for FireWorks for Kids (FWFK) events such as the Annual Season Kick-off Luncheon, Annual Frank Klopas Golf Outing, and the Chicago Fire/FWFK Kicks for Kids program.

Best Buy and its employees already are active in the Chicagoland community, sponsoring Chicago City Festivals such as Gospel Fest, Blues Fest and Latin Fest. Employees have taken leading roles in work with the Child Abuse Prevention fundraiser at Wrigley Field, Junior Achievement and other activities. Last summer, Geek Squad – led by Agent Moira Hardek – created a program to encourage young girls to get involved in technology, called Geek Squad Summer Academy.

“Cuauhtémoc is one of the biggest soccer stars in the world, and he’s a great addition to our team in Chicago,” said Glen Swanson, territory general manager for Best Buy. “Our work with Cuauhtémoc will help us better connect with our customers in the community.”

“Connecting with our Hispanic customers is a fundamental part of Best Buy’s growth strategy. We believe our involvement with Cuauhtémoc and Chicago Fire Soccer will help us build long-lasting relationships with many new customers, especially those with a Hispanic background,” said Teresa Iglesias-Solomon, vice president of Multicultural Initiatives at Best Buy.

Best Buy is making a significant investment to improve the shopping experience for its Hispanic customers. In November, Best Buy launched a Spanish-language version of BestBuy.com (www.espanol.bestbuy.com). In addition, the company has made a wide variety of enhancements to its overall shopping experience by:

* Continuing to add multilingual sales associates at stores across the country
* Offering assistance in Spanish via the Best Buy call center at 1-888-BEST-BUY
* Adding bilingual signage throughout the stores
* Adjusting merchandise offerings to address local community preferences
* Launching a national advertising campaign created specifically for Hispanic customers
* Helping inform Hispanic consumers about the Digital TV transition, including offering bilingual information brochures in stores”*

*From: http://www.businesswire.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

LATV, the nation’s first bilingual music/entertainment network distributed via digital multicast, announced today its new spring programming lineup which will premiere March 17. The bilingual multicast network, which recently announced its 30th national affiliation, is premiering a bi-weekly entertainment talk show, a daily celebrity biopic, a spoof on television, classic concerts and music videos with text messaging overlay to its programming lineup.

"As our national reach grows, so does the scope of LATV's programming.
With our new VP Programming Luca Bentivoglio on board, we are expanding our
offerings to include a wider range of what we're known for --
ground-breaking, bilingual shows," said Danny Crowe, president, LATV.

    LATV's expanded fare will feature numerous new hosts of Mexican, Puerto
Rican and Cuban heritage. The spring lineup includes:

    -- En la Zona (Tues., Thurs., 6:00 p.m. PT; 9:30 p.m. PT).  En la Zona (In
       the Zone) will delve into the latest trends in music, film, fashion and
       glamour.  The 30-minute entertainment program will be headlined by LATV
       host Viviana Vigil and telenovela star Pili Montilla.  In addition,
       there will be a guest host each episode. Silvia Olmeda, who currently
       has a TV show on Mexico City's "TeleHit," joins the cast the first
       week.
    -- Classic en Concierto (Wed., Fri., 6:00 p.m. PT; Fri., 9:30 p.m. PT)
       Julieta Venegas, La Ley and Soraya are among the artists featured in
       this music hall of LATV fama.
    -- Texty Videos. (Mon. - Fri., 7:00 p.m. PT) Alexis de la Rocha hosts this
       one-hour interactive forum for text messages while introducing the
       latest videos.
    -- Verdad y Fama. (Mon. - Fri., 8:00 p.m. PT) These one-hour biopics
       feature personalities from the world of entertainment, sports, music
       and film.  From Juan Gabriel, Pepe Aguilar and Paulina Rubio to soccer
       star Cuauhtemoc Blanco and wrestling sensation Rey Misterio, Verdad y
       Fama (Truth and Fame) goes in-depth into their lives and work.
    -- Wachale. (Premieres: Wed., March 26, 6:00 p.m. PT.) Hosted by Humberto
       Guida, Wachale (Take a look) is a half-hour weekly show that spoofs
       Latino television and pop culture.

    "LATV is an original, with a singular approach to programming that
reaches our viewers, taps into their thoughts and delivers alternative TV.
We have a great team that is constantly thinking and creating what our
viewers want to see," says Mr. Bentivoglio. "This spring's lineup reflects
the interactive, controversial and hip component that viewers expect."

    LATV currently has 30 affiliations across the country in 16 of the top
25 Hispanic television markets. LATV is also carried on basic cable through
its affiliates and in Los Angeles on KJLA via cable, broadcast and DBS.

“*

*From: http://www.prnewswire.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

Since Major League Soccer first took a bow, the league has seen its share of Mexican soccer stars give MLS teams a try, but often the stints were short-lived and of a disappointing nature.

In only half a season of game action with the Chicago Fire, though, Cuauhtemoc Blanco has achieved such a high level of success that his example is helping to draw new interest from other players over the border.”*

“Cuauhtemoc Blanco is tired of the David Beckham questions.

Blanco has been answering them non-stop ever since signing with the Fire in April. But that’s to be expected, considering Blanco and Beckham are Major League Soccer’s two highest-paid and best-known players.”*

“In Mexico, Cuauhtemoc Blanco, the Fires new superstar, is known by many names: the Humpback, the White Shark, the Eagle of Fire. But to most Chicagoans, he’s the Mexican guy with the unpronounceable name who’s supposed to help save Major League Soccer, which has been limping along since its founding in 1994.

Preceded by his on-field bad-boy reputation, Blanco generated unexpected buzz in April when his three-year, $8.1 million contract was announced. Even more when he came on the field in the 78th minute during the sold-out Mexico-USA match on June 24 at Soldier Field in the Gold Cup tournament. Though he didn’t have a chance to break out his trademark Blanco Bounce and the crowds Blanco-centric adulation and thundering chants of Me-xi-co weren’t enough to overcome the United States 2-1 victory, it marked the countdown to his late-July Fire debut.”

“Mexican striker Cuauhtemoc Blanco quickly showed his ability in his Major League Soccer debut, setting up the first goal of the match as the Chicago Fire downed Toronto FC 3-0 Sunday.

In Sundays other match, the Kansas City Wizards edged Chivas USA 3-2.”

“Lost in the excitement of David Beckhams arrival in the United States and Major League Soccer was the arrival of a player who could have just as substantial an impact on the future of MLS as Mr. Posh Spice.

Cuauhtemoc Blanco, the Mexican playmaker American soccer fans love to hate, made his debut for the Chicago Fire on Sunday and it barely registered a ripple on the national media radar. This despite the fact that his debut went much better than Beckhams. Blanco started and scored the Fires lone goal in a 1-1 tie against Celtic. He flashed his skills and gave the fans in Chicago a real taste of what could he could be providing on a regular basis.”

“One mention of “Temoc,” and Alexander Oceguera knows exactly what to do.

The wide-eyed, 22-year-old manager of a cell phone store in the heart of Chicagos largest Latino community pores over a wall of cell phones, phone accessories and nearly 100 unrecognizable prepaid calling cards, then produces one of his customers favorite items.

“You want to know about Cuauhtemoc Blanco? Check this out,” Oceguera says, plucking one of the calling cards from the wall behind the counter. “Here he is right here.”"

“Mexican star Cuauhtemoc Blanco will make his hotly anticipated debut with the Chicago Fire on July 22.

Blanco officially joined the team in April, signing a contract to become the third player to join an MLS club under the “designated player rule.” He arrives in Chicago this month after spending the remainder of the season with Mexico Citys Club America.”

“Mexican striker Cuauhtemoc Blanco is coming to Major League Soccer this summer, but who will be the next Mexican player to make the jump? Heres what some teammates from the Mexican national team said when asked if they would like to play in MLS:

Adolfo “Bofo” Bautista: Maybe one day, like in three years. Big stars are starting to come here. You can live pretty well here, the league pays well, and the soccer is getting better. I like Miami, Chicago and Los Angeles.”

“Fire president John Guppy loved the sign a fan brought to the welcoming ceremony for Cuauhtemoc Blanco at Toyota Park. It read, Who needs Beckham when you have Temo?

Blanco, who signed a three-year, $6million contract on Tuesday, follows England’s former captain, David Beckham, as one of Major League Soccers first designated players. Each team can go above its salary cap to bring in one high-profile player.”

“The Chicago Fire finally got its superstar.

The question is whether he’s come too late.

In a remarkably similar situation to the 1999 signing of aging Bulgarian superstar Hristo Stoitchkov, the Fire has signed Mexican superstar Cuauhtemoc Blanco, a player good enough to go by just the one name ”” Blanco.”