Beckham bends it for charity

2007-10-27 10:28

Carson, California - David Beckham is expected to make his final appearance of the year for the Los Angeles Galaxy in Carson against a team with a quite different set of stars - from Hollywood.

Beckham, who missed much of his first Major League Soccer season because of injuries, is scheduled to play for the Galaxy against "Hollywood United FC" in a fundraiser on November 4 at the Home Depot Centre.

Proceeds will go to the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army charities to benefit those affected by the wildfires in Southern California.

"Everyone's expected to play, including David," Galaxy general manager Alexi Lalas said on Friday. "This is a great opportunity for our organisation to do something positive for our area, our home, and for our friends and neighbors who have been impacted by these incredibly devastating wildfires.

"Our players are residents of Southern California. This is a great way through soccer for us to bring some attention and, most importantly, raise some money. And, in the process, give the people another opportunity to see the stars we have here with the Galaxy."

The Hollywood lineup is expected to include actors Anthony LaPaglia, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Costas Mandylor; musicians Steve Jones and Vivian Campbell; and former World Cup players Frank Leboeuf of France, Richard Gough of Scotland, and Americans Joe-Max Moore and Eric Wynalda. Former Galaxy standouts Lalas and Mauricio Cienfuegos also are set to play.

Along with the game, there will be a silent auction at which autographed Galaxy and other sports memorabilia and items contributed by the Hollywood players will be on the block.

The Herbalife Family Foundation is underwriting the match to allow all ticket sales to go directly to wildfire relief. Herbalife is a Galaxy sponsor.

Beckham and the Galaxy will begin training again Thursday to prepare for their November 7 friendly in Vancouver, British Columbia, the first of four upcoming matches outside the United States.

AP

- AP