Toronto FC 0 - 3 Chicago

Blanco makes MLS debut as Fire rout Toronto FC

Updated: July 29, 2007, 11:31 PM UK

TORONTO -- 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 did extremely well and I was pleased his performance and attitude," Chicago coach Juan Carlos Osorio said. "When you put a player with his caliber and experience in a league like the MLS. it was very nice to see the attitude he had today.

"He brought a great advantage to our offensive helping to create chances to score, and I was also pleased with his ability to get back and contribute defensively."

Blanco set up Guerrero in the 37th minute to give the Fire the only goal they would need. He lofted a crossing pass and Guerrero, on the left side, blasted a shot over the right shoulder of goalkeeper David Monsalve.

It was the first goal for Guerrero in 52 games.

"It feels great, it has been so long," Guerrero said. "I am happy to give what I can for the team. Toronto is a very good team and we are close in the standings, so this helps us a lot."

Carr added an unassisted goal in the 58th minute, beating Monsalve on a shot that deflected off a Toronto player's foot 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.

"The young goalkeeper played very well," Toronto coach Mo Johnston said of Monsalve. "Don't look at the goalkeeper today for the loss. Look at the outfielders."

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 and could miss three to four weeks.

Danny Dichio is battling a sore back and may have to sit, said Johnston, who will not use the injuries as an excuse.

"Injuries have occured to key players and it will happen," Johnston said. "The players coming off the bench must step up though, and I feel that it's not happening. I'm not going to sit here and make excuses about the injuries, the performance today was completely unacceptable from all ends."

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.

Next up for Toronto is a visit from the Los Angeles Galaxy and David Beckham next Sunday.