<p>Every season <a href="https://us.bolavip.com/mls-t16956" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MLS</strong></a> teams wheel and deal in hopes of getting a squad ready for the playoffs come season’s end. Some signings work out, <a href="https://us.bolavip.com/soccer/the-15-worst-signings-in-mls-history-20201229-0007.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">others not so much</a>. Nonetheless, team GM’s are always looking for that big signing that can take their team to the next level.</p>
<p>While <strong>David Beckham</strong> and<strong> Landon Donovan</strong> come to mind as signings that were huge in leading not only the league, but their teams to greater things, other signings drop under the radar, but are equally as important. Javier Morales to Real Salt Lake comes to mind as a signing that not only elevated RSL, but also began a culture of excellence at the club.</p>
<p>While we could do a list of 100 signings like this, we have narrowed it down to five key signings of significance. Each player signing will tell a story of just how that signing changed the fortune of the club. While not a ranking, here are <strong>5 <a href="https://us.bolavip.com/soccer/mls-top-10-most-expensive-incoming-transfers-20210211-0009.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MLS</a> signings that changed the course of thoseteams!</strong></p>
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<h2>Cuauhtémoc Blanco to Chicago Fire</h2>
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<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="412" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:412" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210303_BUS_169100_cuauhtemoc_blanco_crop1614781392531.jpg_22069893_5a8e351d.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=412" width="740" height="412"></figure><figcaption>    Cuauhtémoc Blanco (Getty)   </figcaption></figure>
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<p><strong>Cuauhtémoc Blanco’</strong>s arrival to the Chicago Fire at the dawn of the DP era was yet another big-name Mexican signing to MLS. MLS has a history of flop Mexican National team signings and Blanco wanted to change that perception. He did, Blanco was sensational for the Fire. Upon signing he was greeted by 5,000 fans, in 2007 he was a finalist for newcomer and MLS MVP, but only won goal of the year. On the field, Blanco lived up to the hype, 16 goals in 62 games, he was everything Rafa Marquez wasn’t, he carried the MLS flag and was proud of it. For the Fire, Blanco was really the last major game changing signing, the team failed to make the playoffs in 8 of the last 10 seasons since Blanco left.</p>
<h2>Nicolás Lodeiro to Seattle Sounders</h2>
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<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="412" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:412" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210303_BUS_169100_nicolas_lodeiro_crop1614781357953.jpg_22069893_17cb009e.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=412" width="740" height="412"></figure><figcaption>    Nicolás Lodeiro (Getty)   </figcaption></figure>
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<p>Some might raise an eyebrow and say “really?” but hear us out. The Seattle Sounders were already a team on the cusp of achieving an MLS Cup. Since the Sounders entered the league in 2009 the club had won 4 U.S. Open Cups and qualified for the playoffs in every season. Then the Uruguayan midfielder signed with the team in 2016 and slowly began inserting himself in the midfieldand becoming a team leader. The end result has been 2 MLS Cups trophies and 4 MLS Cup appearances in 5 years since <strong>Lodeiro</strong>’s arrival.</p>
<h2>Christian Gómez to D.C. United</h2>
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<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="412" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:412" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210303_BUS_169100_christian_gomez_crop1614781294670.jpg_22069893_2c63a368.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=412" width="740" height="412"></figure><figcaption>    Christian Gómez (Getty)   </figcaption></figure>
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<p>Before the age of the DP, MLS teams looked for free transfers and crossed their fingers, <strong>Christian Gómez</strong> was a late season addition that propelled a 2004 D.C United team to the MLS Cup final. Gómez would lead the team to their fourth MLS Cup and would later be the centerpiece of an era which saw United qualify to the playoffs in each of his four seasons with the club. Gomito became a huge fan favorite and fans were mad when he was traded to make way for Marcelo Gallardo in 2008. When Gómez left, United began a downward spiral that saw them miss the playoffs four seasons in a row. Despite returning in 2009 for only 1 season, United has since failed to truly field a week in and week out competitive and dominating team.</p>
<h2>Guillermo Barros Schelotto to Columbus Crew</h2>
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<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="412" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:412" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210303_BUS_169100_guillermo_barros_schelotto_crop1614781243735.jpg_22069893_51ce2f10.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=412" width="740" height="412"></figure><figcaption>    Guillermo Barros Schelotto (Getty)   </figcaption></figure>
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<p>Late in his career and without a place in the Boca Juniors lineup, <strong>Guillermo Barros Schelotto</strong> took a chance and signed with the Columbus Crew of MLS. It was a match made in heaven. GBS, as he was later called by fans, found a second home and revitalized his career in MLS. Schelotto won 1 MLS Cup and MLS MVP award during his four years in Ohio. Schelotto’s signing began an era in MLS of Argentine imports and a style of play that has involved an Argentine midfielder as the centerpiece in Columbus since.</p>
<h2>Robbie Keane to L.A. Galaxy</h2>
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<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="412" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:412" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210303_BUS_169100_robbie_keane_crop1614781205101.jpg_22069893_eab75a0d.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=412" width="740" height="412"></figure><figcaption>    Robbie Keane (Getty)   </figcaption></figure>
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<p>This one might seem too easy, but it isn’t, the David Beckham era in L.A. needed an MLS Cup to truly come full circle. The Galaxy made a signing intended to do just that, they signed Irish striker<strong> Robbie Keane</strong>. Keane was more than just an ace in the hole, he became a club legend and at points was even more important on the field than the other two big stars in L.A., Beckham and Donovan. Winner of three MLS Cups, and 83 goals, the Galaxy has yet to replace the electric Keane.</p>
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5 MLS signings that changed the course of those teams

5 MLS signings that changed the course of those teams - Bolavip US

<p>Latino people have always had a big influence in the United States and even though it took a while, they did the same in <a href="https://us.bolavip.com/mls-t16956" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MLS</strong></a>. Major League Soccer has seen some big names that left their mark and paved the way for the new generations.</p>
<p>Right now we have a lot of good Latino players in MLS and that doesn’t seem to be stopping. Instead of being a league where old stars come to retire, the league turned into a great platform for young players to develop before making the jump to Europe.</p>
<p>Some Latinos have taken that path while others landed in MLS trying to revitalize their careers. Some had more success than others but now it’s time to see who are the <strong>best Latino players that have ever played in MLS</strong>.</p>
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<h2>Carlos Valderrama</h2>
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<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210101_BUS_167326_crlos_valderrama.jpg_22993414_9d9d62fc.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption>    Carlos Valderrama. (Getty)   </figcaption></figure>
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<p>Carlos Valderrama was a very good player in the league, instantly making an impact and enchanting everybody with his game. The Colombian playmaker displayed his good game every week, dishing 114 assists over his MLS career. Valderrama was one of those pioneers who bet on this league and it paid off for him.</p>
<h2>Jaime Moreno</h2>
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<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210101_BUS_167326_jaime_moreno.jpg_22993414_207ec1be.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption>    Jaime Moreno. (Getty)   </figcaption></figure>
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<p>Jaime Moreno landed in Washington DC to help DC United improve their level. The Bolivian striker was great for the capital team and to this day, he’s an idol for the team. He finished his MLS career ranking 4th all-time in MLS goals (133).</p>
<h2>Marco Etcheverry</h2>
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<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210101_BUS_167326_etcheverry.jpg_22993414_c5c6543a.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption>    Marco Etcheverry. (Getty)   </figcaption></figure>
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<p>Marco Etcheverry created a great duo with Jaime Moreno in Washington DC and their production was really impressive. The midfielder was the perfect partner for Moreno and his numbers are the biggest proof of that. He finished his MLS career ranking 7th all-time in assists (101).</p>
<h2>Cuauhtemoc Blanco</h2>
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<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210101_BUS_167326_cuau.jpg_22993414_38eed211.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption>    Cuauhtémoc Blanco. (Getty)   </figcaption></figure>
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<p><a href="https://us.bolavip.com/cuauhtemoc-blanco-t11235" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Cuauhtemoc Blanco</strong></a> was considered the first big Mexican name to actually thrive in the league; he joined Chicago Fire and made an instant impact on the team. The Mexican striker was really a good player that opened the doors for a lot of players that came after him.</p>
<h2>Guillermo Barros Schelotto</h2>
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<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210101_BUS_167326_barros_schelotto.jpg_22993414_85a02241.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption>    Guillermo Barros Schelotto. (Getty)   </figcaption></figure>
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<p>Guillermo Barros Schelotto landed in the States after being dismissed by Boca Juniors. The Argentine striker was great for Columbus Crew, leading them to their first MLS Cup championship in 2008, earning MVP honors during that season.</p>
<h2>Josef Martinez</h2>
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<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210101_BUS_167326_josef.jpg_22993414_7f326d89.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption>    Josef Martinez. (Getty)   </figcaption></figure>
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<p><a href="https://us.bolavip.com/josef-martinez-t152199" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Josef Martinez</strong></a> landed in Atlanta from Italy, where he played for Torino. The Venezuelan striker was a revelation for that Atlanta team coached by Gerardo Martino that took the league by storm. Martinez has been one of the most prolific strikers in league history and he’s not even done. Josef has scored 90 goals in 103 games.</p>
<h2>Carlos Vela</h2>
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<figure class="image">   <figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" data-height="413" data-width="740" data-size="w:740,h:413" hspace="5" vspace="5" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20210101_BUS_167326_carlos_vela.jpg_22993414_84b5ceef.webp&amp;width=740&amp;height=413" width="740" height="413"></figure><figcaption>    Carlos Vela. (Getty)   </figcaption></figure>
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<p>One year after Martinez had his historical season, <a href="https://us.bolavip.com/carlos-vela-t47491" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Carlos Vela</strong></a> made an appearance, demonstrating he’s one of the best players in the league right away. Even though he’s yet to win a championship with LAFC, Vela has confirmed he’s one of the best players in the league right now.</p>
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Best Latino players in MLS history

Best Latino players in MLS history - Bolavip US

<p><a href="https://us.bolavip.com/mls-t16956" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>MLS</strong></a> has shared a list of the <a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/the-25-greatest-presented-by-att" target="_blank" rel="noopener">25 greatest players of all time</a> in celebration of their 25 years. The league has come a long way and is getting more and more respect season after season. They were once seen as an amateur league, then a tournament to go finish your career but now things are different.</p>
<p>Sure, some players go there to play thelast years of their career but right now the league is one where young players from other leagues can develop their game before making the jump to Europe or another league.</p>
<p>All the players that they listed made the league the big sensation they are right now but it feels like they missed some names that also helped them reach this current level. Some stars from the past and the present and missing, including one of their best players for the past three years.</p>
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<h2>MLS incredibly snubs Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Carlos Vela and more from “The 25 Greatest” list</h2>
<p>Players like <strong>Carlos Valderrama</strong>, <strong>Clint Dempsey</strong>, <strong>Landon Donovan</strong>, <strong>David Beckham</strong> and more feature on the list, but it’s still curious not to see some stars that have been nothing but great for MLS.</p>
<p>Starting from one of the most famous players they had in recent seasons, <a href="https://us.bolavip.com/zlatan--ibrahimovic-t29087" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Zlatan Ibrahimovic</strong></a>, who set the league on fire as soon as he landed in Los Angeles to join the Galaxy. Ibra was a scoring machine for the Californian club.</p>
<p>Ibra scored 53 goals in 58 games with his team in two seasons, making headlines every season with his performances on the pitch or his declarations after every match. In his first year, he was named in the MLS All-Star and MLS Best XI and was awarded the MLS Newcomer of the Year Award and MLS Goal of the Year. He did a lot in only two seasons before returning to AC Milan in Europe.</p>
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<p>Another name that comes to mind right now is <a href="https://us.bolavip.com/carlos-vela-t47491" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Carlos Vela</strong></a>, one player who had memorable duels with Ibrahimovic on the pitch. The Mexican star landed in Los Angeles to play with the younger team in the city, <a href="https://us.bolavip.com/los-angeles-fc-t72172" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LAFC</a>, in 2018.</p>
<p>Vela holds the record for the most goals scored in an MLS regular season with 34 in 2019, breaking the prior record of 31 that belonged to Josef Martinez. He’s yet to win a championship with his team but there is no doubt that Vela has already left his mark on the league.</p>
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<p><a href="https://us.bolavip.com/cuauhtemoc-blanco-t11235" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cuauhtémoc Blanco</a> doesn’t feature on the list, either, even though he was one of the best foreign players in the league back in the day. Contrary to what happens with other Mexicans, Blanco was a very good addition to Chicago Fire and the league. He scored 16 goals in 62 games, a decent number at the end of the 2000s.</p>
<p>It is curious that the league didn’t include Blanco on this list knowing that they remembered the former striker in October, calling him a legend and icon, recognizing his contribution to the league during his time in the Windy City.</p>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="es">A ⚽️ legend and an icon, Cuauhtémoc Blanco! <a href="https://t.co/pFf8Huwwm7">pic.twitter.com/pFf8Huwwm7</a></p>
<p> — Major League Soccer (@MLS)    <a href="https://twitter.com/MLS/status/1316476401839755265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2020</a>   </p></blockquote></div>
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<p>Another player that had a short but successful run in the league was Guillermo Barros Schelotto, who was Los Angeles Galaxy manager until the end of the 2020 regular season. Before that, he had a short but great stint with Columbus Crew.</p>
<p>The Boca Juniors icon signed with the Crew in 2007. In his first season with the team, he dished 11 assists, leading the team in that item. One year later, he went off, being chosen Player of the week four times, Player of the month once, and recording 19 assists and 7 goals during the regular season.</p>
<p>Barros Schelotto won the regular-season MVP award but that was only the beginning for him. He won the MLS Cup with Columbus, closing a great season with the team. The striker returned to Argentina in 2010 after having a great stint in the U.S.</p>
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<p>We are in no position of telling the league who shouldn’t be on the list but it’d be interesting to know why they didn’t pick any of these players as one of the 25 greatest MLS players in history.</p>
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cuauhtemoc blanco

5 MLS signings that changed the course of those teams

Best Latino players in MLS history

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