Home debut for newcomers

The Chicago Fire is holding a reception tonight prior to its game against the Columbus Crew to welcome former coach Bob Bradley into the team's Ring of Fire.

Team officials might consider holding a similar reception for the fans to get to know the team's new lineup.

Tonight's game will be the first MLS home game for Cuauhtemoc Blanco, the superstar Mexican midfielder who has already had a positive effect on the team. His brilliant assist to Ivan Guerrero led to the first goal in a 3-0 victory against Toronto FC on Sunday.

This will also be the first home game for new striker Paulo Wanchope, the Costa Rican star who has decided to give MLS a shot after spending the last couple of years touring the globe looking for a home.

Wanchope has scored 45 goals in international competition for Costa Rica, including goals in each of the last two World Cup games. According to reports, the 6-foot-3 forward is going to be exciting to watch when he has the ball.

"Paulo uses his height very well,'' Fire coach Juan Carlos Osorio said. "He has a very good aerial game. He is a good header of the ball and he's very strong. He can shield the ball and he can hold the ball up, which is very important for us. And obviously he has individual technique that he can use in and around the box."

Wanchope has a history with Osorio, who was his coach at Manchester City when Wanchope helped lift the storied franchise back into the English Premier League a few years ago.

Now Osorio has to get Wanchope and Blanco to play together, although the theory on the team is that good players find a way to connect. With Blanco feeding the ball to Wanchope, the Fire is hoping for a change of fortunes.

"Blanco only adds to the whole feeling of the players, that we need to create an environment where winning games should be our main priority,'' Osorio said.

The Fire (5-8-4, 19 points) has scored 16 goals and has given up 26 in 17 games. It remains tied with Toronto FC for last place in the Eastern Conference but is ninth in the MLS overall standings that will determine the top eight places for the playoffs.