As Sporting Kansas City ushers in what could be a defining era for soccer in the American heartland this season, the club’s overhaul won’t stop at its polarizing rebranding or new soccer-specific venue. The team on the field has turned a page as well, focusing on a youthful nucleus that will be boosted by the presence of a veteran Mexican star.

In Omar Bravo, Kansas City has an experienced scorer who bagged more than 100 goals for Chivas de Guadalajara while adding another 15 for the Mexico national team throughout the past decade. Now, seven months after his move to MLS was first announced, the 31-year-old will take his prolific reputation to Kansas City as the club’s new designated player.

Bravo’s introduction to MLS presents an obvious question: Compared to two of his compatriot MLS predecessors, will Bravo be more Cuauhtemoc Blanco, an MVP finalist with the Chicago Fire, or Nery Castillo, an unmitigated bust in the Windy City? Based on Bravo’s proven track record, the smart money is on the former. But his notching just a two-goal output in last year’s Apertura tournament with Chivas isn’t exactly encouraging.

As part of a three-man front line that could also feature U.S. national team forward Teal Bunbury and 10-goal-scorer Kei Kamara, Bravo could be in for a stellar season with Sporting if he does still have that finishing touch.