Anthony LaPaglia, star of the police drama series
Without a Trace, took on football icon David Beckham in a soccer exhibition match aimed to help the victims of last month's wildfires in Southern California. The cherished event, which was held last Sunday, raised more than $90,000 for the casualties of the recent tragedy.
Beckham's team, LA Galaxy, went up against LaPaglia's all-star team, Hollywood United, which includes Def Leppard guitarist Viv Campbell, former Sex Pistol Paul Cook and actor Brandon Routh, who is best known for his role in
Superman Returns.
Beckham scored two goals on LaPaglia in the first half but in the second half, the
Without a Trace actor emerged to block Beckham's 26-yard free kick and dived to his right to deflect Beckham's 29-yard shot with his right hand.
''That one goes on the screen saver,'' LaPaglia said of the save.
''I never thought I would get the opportunity to face him in an actual game. He is such a massive asset for American soccer,'' the 48-year-old actor said of Beckham who left Real Madrid to sign a five-year contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy. ''I applaud the Galaxy for bringing him in because he will change the game here.''
The match, played at LA Galaxy's Home Depot Centre stadium, also became a chance for Beckham to prove his fitness, as well as the opportunity to gain 100 caps, which refers to a player's appearance in an international game. At present, he has 97.
England manager Steve McClaren, who also graced the game, used the occasion as a bizarre scouting mission to watch Beckham play as England's last Euro 2008 qualifier, against Croatia, which is scheduled to commence on November 21.
Meanwhile, fans can catch Anthony LaPaglia as FBI agent Jack Malone on
Without a Trace every Thursday at 10pm ET/PT on CBS.
-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: Associated Press
(Image courtesy of Associated Press)