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Blanco makes MLS debut as Fire rout Toronto FC

Jul 29, 2007 - 9:02 PM TORONTO (Ticker) -- A return home for Toronto FC was not enough to offset the impact of Cuauhtemoc Blanco's MLS debut.

Ivan Guerrero, Calen Carr and Floyd Franks scored goals as the Chicago Fire posted a 3-0 victory over Toronto FC on Sunday.

Blanco, who signed a three-year deal with the Fire in April, assisted on the first goal to help the Fire win for just the second time in the last 13 matches.

The Mexican standout, who had been unable to join Chicago until completing his commitments with Club America in Mexico City, scored a goal in last Sunday's exhibition against Celtic.

His impact on the Fire's offense was immediate. Chicago enjoyed a 14-5 edge in shots and 10-3 margin in shots on goal.

Blanco set up Guerrero in the 37th minute to give the Fire the only goal they would need. It was the first goal for Guerrego in 52 games.

Carr added an unassisted goal in the 58th minute, beating goalkeeper David Monsalve on a deflected shot for a 2-0 cushion.

Carr then set up Franks' goal in the 75 minute. Both Guerrero and Franks registered their first tallies for the season.

Monsalve was in net because starting keeper Greg Sutton is out with a concussion. He made seven saves.

Toronto FC also was without forward Jeff Cunningham and defender Marvell Wynne. Cunningham, who has six goals and an assist this season, is expect to miss at least a month with an abdominal injury. Wynne injured a hamstring in a 4-2 loss to England's Aston Villa on Wednesday night.

It was the first win of the season for Chicago (5-8-4) in three meetings with Toronto (5-9-4), which was playing its first home game after a six-game road trip.

Toronto FC won the first meeting, 3-1, and the teams played to a 1-1 tie in their last matchup.