The final score was astronomic, and so was the amount raised for a good cause.
Former Houston Dynamo and US national team star Stu Holden gathered two star-studded squads at BBVA Compass Stadium in his hometown for the “Kick In For Houston” charity match on December 16, racking up the goals in a 12-12 draw that raised more than $300,000 – and counting – to help the victims of the severe storms and floods that wracked South Texas earlier this year.
The unique occasion was broadcast nationwide on FS1 and as has so often been the case in his sterling career, Clint Dempsey stole the show.
STOP IT!!! @clint_dempsey with the bicycle kick! #KickInForHouston
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 18, 2017
Everyone should donate for that. Do it now at https://t.co/cMGM93sBJ2!
Sponsored by @leesasleeppic.twitter.com/uA8SPsQLNZ
The Seattle Sounders striker and native Texan conjured up a jaw-dropping bicycle-kick golazo, the best of several highlight-reel goals in the small-sided game, which also featured Holden, Landon Donovan, Eddie Johnson, Alexi Lalas, Steve Nash, Mia Hamm and a range of other celebrities as well as members of the Dynamo academy.
Team Nash and Team Holden dueled to a draw in regulation time, and even a dramatic penalty-kick shootout – which resembled an auction as FOX television personality Fernando Fiore raised the stakes by attaching bigger and bigger donation amounts to the spot kicks – couldn’t separate the two sides, who called it a tossup when all was said and done.
The biggest winner was the bottom line, with more than a quarter-million dollars raised to help those in need.
It’s not too late for you and yours to chip in a few more dollars, either: Holden and friends are still seeking further contributions through December as they aim for a whopping $500,000 final goal.
You can donate here, and watch the full event here:
