Showdown in Chinatown

24 June 2009

New York (Chinatown Newswire) — The Chinatown Soccer Club’s Stanton Street ground will host a star-studded soccer match to benefit foundations set up by basketball superstar Steve Nash and iconic American midfield maestro Claudio Reyna this evening, the Newswire has learned.

The second annual “Showdown in Chinatown” will feature Nash, Reyna, Thierry Henry, Tony Parker, Javier Zanetti and more of the world’s best soccer and basketball players taking part in a friendly pickup match in downtown New York.

Hours before fans started to descend upon Chinatown, a CSC delegation played a practice match inside a significantly altered Stanton Street ground with stadium-style seating gracing the northern end of the pitch.

“We’re obviously happy to welcome back Claudio and his friends, especially for a good cause like this,” Coach Stochl said after posing for pictures with the former United States national team captain (see below).

The positive vibes were temporarily tested when it emerged that the logo for Nash’s “Football for Good” academy closely resembled the CSC’s famous crest (see below).

Fortunately, the simmering dispute was graciously diffused by winger Justin “Crazy Legs” Fines who designed the CSC’s logo years ago and simply commented that “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”

CSC players pose in front of the “Showdown in Chinatown” banner prior to their early morning practice session.

Dom “The Dominator” Neitz and the enigmatic Kaman take advantage of the additional seating alongside the pitch.

Jason “Goods” Goodman once again impressed with his tireless running.

The new banners behind the goal did nothing to deter forward Mike Messenie from shooting at every opportunity.

Geordie wizard Dan Alder executes a perfect cutback in front of the new grandstand.

The squad poses with U.S. legend Claudio Reyna (second from right in back row).

The “Football for Good” logo next to the CSC’s crest. Spot the similarities.