There’s no doubt that the Fresno Fuego is happy to have Milton Blanco back.
And even if Blanco, 25, still aspires to play professionally, as he did before, make no mistake: He enjoys playing for the Fuego, in the Premier Development League and before his hometown again.
Blanco booted in one goal and helped set up two others Thursday as the Fuego picked up their first win of the season with a 4-0 victory against Ogden before an exuberant announced crowd of 2,318 under the lights at Chukchansi Park.
“That’s a seasoned vet,” Fuego coach Scott Alcorn said. “He is the one player that has professional experience and it showed tonight.
“He just brings that professional atmosphere on the field each time, the ability to play fast, control the game. And he brings great charisma to the locker room. His presence is awesome.”
With Thursday’s victory, the Fuego (1-1) won the first of four qualifiers that could land it in the 40-team 2010 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, a tournament for 23 professional and 17 amateur teams this summer.
The Fuego will need to go at least 3-1 in the qualifiers to solidify a spot in the tournament.
“U.S Open Cup is real big; it’s one of our team goals,” Alcorn said. “We’re going to be favored one more time and then be the underdog in the other two.
“But we’re a team that’s looking to get in and win a championship.”
Blanco’s return certainly boosts the Fuego’s chances.
A former Roosevelt High and Fresno Pacific star, Blanco helped set up the first goal, a first-half score by Jose Cuevas.
Then less than 2 minutes into the second half, Blanco cradled a ball that ricocheted off the crossbar before quickly zipping it in for another goal.
A penalty kick by reserve Adrian Alvarado increased the Fuego’s lead to 3-0.
Then Blanco, who played for MLS club Chivas USA in 2005, helped set up a fourth goal, with his positioning on the field drawing the defense during a corner kick.
Reserve Eddie Gonzalez headed the ball in to make it 4-0.
“I’m glad to be back home,” Blanco said. “When this started, I was here. And I’m glad to be back and helping the Fresno Fuego once again.
“I was 17 when I first played for them. And winning here never gets old.”
*Fuego forward Tyler Reinhart, who plays at Cal Poly Pomona, made the drive up from school to play Thursday.