Hot on the heels of a run for the US women’s team in the World Cup, soccer fever is alive and well in New York. Tonight, at New York Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ, David Beckham and Thierry Henry lead the Major League Soccer All-Star team against Manchester United, whose boozy antics in the Big Apple were chronicled by yesterday’s Page Six. Celeb fans such as Susan Sarandon, Ed Westwick and Kelly Ripa hope to see the All-Stars avenge last year’s 5–2 loss.
“It’s going to be a difficult game,” admits Red Bulls forward Henry, who continues to express amazement at his US career. “If you told me when I was 16 years old that I’d be playing in New York, and against Manchester United, it’s overwhelming,” says Henry. Here’s a crib sheet on the ones to watch at tonight’s game.
Major League Soccer All-Stars
David Beckham
The midfielder, a k a Mr. Posh Spice, battles his old club, where he became the world’s most famous footballer. In 2007, the 36-year-old joined the LA Galaxy, bringing major league wattage to US soccer. He and wife Victoria recently named their baby girl Harper Seven, a nod to his old number with United.
Thierry Henry
Fulfilling a childhood dream to live in the US, the 33-year-old French forward signed with the Red Bulls in July 2010. “I always said one day I wanted to be living in New York. I’m loving it,” says the SoHo resident. Henry, who dates model Andrea Rajacic, is an avid sneaker collector. “I think it’s a disease,” he quips.
Tim Ream
The St. Louis native and US national team member is one of the youngest players on the All-Star squad. The 23-year-old defender lives in Hoboken with fiancee Kristen Sapienza, and anticipates a tough game against United. “I’ll stay away from predictions, but I’m confident,” he says.
Juan Agudelo
Just 18, the Colombian-born, Jersey-raised phenom is seen as the future of US soccer. The striker is in his second season with the Red Bulls and, at 17, scored a goal for the national team, the youngest player to do so at such a level. “I’m just so happy to be here. I’m learning so many things,” the Hoboken resident says.
Manchester United
Wayne Rooney
The Liverpool native is a member of England’s national team. The volatile striker, who married his childhood sweetheart, Coleen, has racked up as many gossipy headlines as he has endorsements, and has admitted to getting hairplugs. His younger brother, John, signed with the Red Bulls in January.
Ryan Giggs
The midfielder has been with United since 1990, scoring 110 goals. The 37-year-old shattered his good-guy image this year when rumors of affairs emerged (allegedly including one with his brother’s wife). The father of two remains married, and has said he’d like to coach when his playing days are behind him.
Javier Hernandez
The forward is the first Mexican to play for United. He’s known as Chicarito (“Little Pea”) after his father, a former Mexican national team member known as Chicaro (“Pea”). His grandfather was also a professional soccer player. The lightning-quick 23-year-old is dating his longtime girlfriend, Lety Sahagun.
Rio Ferdinand
Ferdinand has played for United since 2002 and England’s national team since 1997. The center back, 32, runs his own record label, White Chalk Music, and fancies himself the Diddy of soccer. He produced the film “Dead Man Running,” featuring 50 Cent, and comically rapped on one of the artist’s albums.
