Blanco's Strike Wins Sierra Mist Goal of the Year
Published on November 16, 2007 under Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Friday, Nov 16, 2007) - Chicago Fire forward Cuauhtémoc Blanco won the 2007 Sierra Mist Goal of the Year for his perfectly placed shot into the upper left corner of the goal in the Fire's 2-0 victory in Week 20 over Real Salt Lake.
More than 500 goals were scored during the 2007 season, and according to fans who voted online at the League's website www.MLSnet.com, none were more spectacular than Blanco's left-footed volley.
The Fire's star forward raced down the left side of the field to collect a pass 25 yards out from goal. After collecting the pass, Blanco struck a powerful left-footed volley that dipped over Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando and into the net for the goal.
Voting started with fans able to select from 34 regular-season goals, which included the 29 winners of the Sierra Mist Goal of the Week and five additional nominees.
After fans narrowed down the choices to five goals, Blanco, who was also named the Fire's MVP this season, beat out four other incredible scoring efforts by Joseph Ngwenya (Houston Dynamo), Kerry Zavagnin (Kansas City Wizards), Danny Dichio (Toronto FC) and Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution) for this year's honor.
Blanco is in his first season in Major League Soccer, joined Chicago as the team's Designated Player. He set the League ablaze with his play for the Fire this season. Blanco helped turn the season around for the Fire, leading them to the playoffs and Eastern Conference Championship game.
In a repeat of MLS Cup 2006, the Houston Dynamo will take on the New England Revolution from RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, Nov. 18 at Noon ET. The game will be broadcast live on ABC and TeleFutura.
Sierra Mist Goal of the Year Winners
2007: Cuauhtémoc Blanco - Chicago Fire
2006: Brian Ching - Houston Dynamo
2005: Dwayne De Rosario - San Jose Earthquakes
2004: Dwayne De Rosario - San Jose Earthquakes
2003: Damani Ralph - Chicago Fire
2002: Carlos Ruiz - Los Angeles Galaxy
2001: Clint Mathis - MetroStars
2000: Marcelo Balboa - Colorado Rapids
1999: Marco Etcheverry - D.C. United
1998: Brian McBride - Columbus Crew
1997: Marco Etcheverry - D.C. United
1996: Eric Wynalda - San Jose Clash
Major League Soccer Stories from November 16, 2007
- Blanco's Strike Wins Sierra Mist Goal of the Year - Chicago Fire FC
- Blanco's Strike Wins Sierra Mist Goal of the Year - MLS
- Red Bull New York purchases AEG's interest in Red Bull Park - Red Bull New York
- Fire Forward Paulo Wanchope Announces Retirement - Chicago Fire FC
- D.C. United player appearances: MLS Cup weekend - D.C. United
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