Fire's Blanco to play for Mexican team

MEXICO CITY -- Veteran striker Cuauhtemoc Blanco is going to play for defending champion Santos Laguna in the playoffs of the Mexican Apertura tournament.

The Chicago Fire player will replace Ecuadorean Christian Benitez, who will be out with an injury for several months.

Blanco just wrapped up his season with the Chicago Fire, after its loss to Columbus Crew in the MLS Eastern Conference final.

Cuauhtemoc says on his website "he is happy about the invitation."

Santos will face San Luis in the quarter finals. It was not disclosed how much Santos offered Blanco.

The club's president, Alejandro Irarragorri says Blanco will play with Santos during the playoffs and will then return to Chicago.