BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. - Just over two weeks ago, the Chicago Fire eliminated the Los Angeles Galaxy from Major League Soccer playoff contention. On Sunday, the two teams become allies in relief efforts for the southern California wildfires, as the Galaxy host Hollywood United F.C. in a charity match at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif (7:00 p.m. CT). The Chicago Fire will lend support to the event with a donation to the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army.
Sunday's match promises to be a star-studded affair, as the Herbalife Family Foundation is underwriting the match so that all ticket sales go directly to wildfire relief. The Galaxy roster will be headlined by David Beckham, Landon Donovan, Cobi Jones and Joe Cannon while Hollywood United features actors Anthony LaPaglia of "Without a Trace", Brandon Routh of "Superman Returns", Costas Mandaylor of "Saw IV", Jimmy Jean-Louis of "Heroes" and Def Leppard guitarist Viv Campbell among others.
Hollywood United - a team comprised of actors, musicians and entertainers - will also include the services of former Fire players David Vaudreuil, Eric Wynalda and Jorge Campos.
"This is an important event for all of us," said Vaudreuil, who played for the Fire from 2001-02. "I am excited and enthused that the Fire wants to get involved."
"The two things California residents can't control are earthquakes and wildfires," stated Wynalda, who spent the 2001 season with the Fire. "It's our goal to help start the recovery process as quickly as possible by providing relief to those people who really need it. Los Angeles general manager Alexi Lalas deserves credit for organizing this game on short notice and we're grateful to the Chicago Fire for their involvement as well."
Fans wishing to donate to the relief effort can find more information at www.lagalaxy.com.
