FRESNO, CALIF. – The Fresno Fuego announced today that Eddie Gutierrez and Milton Blanco have moved up to the next level of United States professional soccer. Both players had been with the Fuego since the team’s inaugural season in 2003. Gutierrez is playing for the Miami Blues F.C. in the United Soccer League’s First Division, the highest level of professional soccer in the United States after the MLS. He has appeared in two games with Miami as a starter in the right-back position. Blanco is on the roster of the Harrisburg City Islanders, the defending champions of the USL’s Second Division. He has appeared in one game for the Islanders this season.
The Fuego play their next two games on the road, and return to Chukchansi Park on Friday, May 23, hosting the San Jose Frogs at 7:00 p.m. for a Veteran’s Game presented by the U.S. Army. The first 2,000 fans in attendance receive a Fuego Rally Towel, and following the game there will be a spectacular fireworks show. In addition, the Fuego will wear special red, white, and blue jerseys during the game, with a live auction to follow.