I've been trying to convey that sentiment on Champions Soccer Radio Network's "Around the League" show over the past two months.
Blanco has had such a huge impact on what was a floundering club. Toyota Park attendance figures were low, especially for a brnad new facility. The location is not the greatest but Blanco's presence has shown that people will travel to TP if there's something special there.
Special? When Blanco touches the ball, the anticipation in the crowd is much the same as when Bobby Hull played for the BlackHawks, Michael Jordan played for the Bulls, or now Devin Hester for the Bears. Everybody is anticipating that brilliance is about to unfold right before our eyes. And with Blanco, it frequently does.
As we all know, in soccer, that brilliance sometimes goes unrewarded (no goal scored) but the discriminating fan still savors it. Blanco serves it up, often.
Besides the productive play, there's all the flicks, back heels, tricks and general nonsense that he can conjure up. He entertains in all manners, with his reactions, gestures, and what seems to be constant commentary. For away fans, he provides the villian for them to hate - he embraces that role (and I should know as I despised him since I'm a Chiavs fan).
For the league, he is drawing fans to the stands even at away matches. Look at the crowd numbers at KC, Columbus, and the HDC. As I said, Angel is a great newcomer but Blanco is the total package newcomer of the year.
This signing has been truly wonderful. I just hope that he stays healthy and doesn't become totally disgusted with MLS referees and the ankle hacking they allow.
3 comments:
Excellent piece AC.
I've been trying to convey that sentiment on Champions Soccer Radio Network's "Around the League" show over the past two months.
Blanco has had such a huge impact on what was a floundering club. Toyota Park attendance figures were low, especially for a brnad new facility. The location is not the greatest but Blanco's presence has shown that people will travel to TP if there's something special there.
Special? When Blanco touches the ball, the anticipation in the crowd is much the same as when Bobby Hull played for the BlackHawks, Michael Jordan played for the Bulls, or now Devin Hester for the Bears. Everybody is anticipating that brilliance is about to unfold right before our eyes. And with Blanco, it frequently does.
As we all know, in soccer, that brilliance sometimes goes unrewarded (no goal scored) but the discriminating fan still savors it. Blanco serves it up, often.
Besides the productive play, there's all the flicks, back heels, tricks and general nonsense that he can conjure up. He entertains in all manners, with his reactions, gestures, and what seems to be constant commentary.
For away fans, he provides the villian for them to hate - he embraces that role (and I should know as I despised him since I'm a Chiavs fan).
For the league, he is drawing fans to the stands even at away matches. Look at the crowd numbers at KC, Columbus, and the HDC.
As I said, Angel is a great newcomer but Blanco is the total package newcomer of the year.
This signing has been truly wonderful. I just hope that he stays healthy and doesn't become totally disgusted with MLS referees and the ankle hacking they allow.
white-kite...there will be a show tonight on trampoline. :)
Yay! Someone got it.
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