By Estrella Romero

(Special coverage). A charity match  was held at the Benson Stadium of Saint Johns University on May 20th, 2006 to pay tribute to the fallen FDNY member Sergio G.Villanueva who lost his life on the September 11 terrorist attack.  All the profits from this charity game will go to benefit the Firefighter Sergio G. Villanueva Soccer Foundation & Scholarship Fund formed after his death.

The ones benefiting from this fund would be the ones following his steps by living an exemplary life and definitely including the sport of soccer as to accomplish their goals. Firefighter Sergio was born in Argentina and he loved this sport so dear.

Charity event at St. Johns Universidad

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With the attendance of 2,137 spectators to watch the game between the Best Women vs. Bravest Men, it was a perfect environment for this event to have taken place.

Four of the Fab5, Mia Hamn, Kristine Lilly, Julie Foudy and Joy Fawcett, joined the All Star women team from Saint Johns University to play a friendly match against the FDNY soccer team composed from members of different ladders in the city of New York. The missing player from the Fab5 was Brandi Chastain who was unable to be part of this exciting match, but sent her regards to her long time teammates and friends by mentioning her presence there in spirit.

The audience cheered for the women’s team and the children shouted each of the Fab4 names incessantly.  The champions of the United States Women’s National Soccer Team showed their talent as soccer players as well as their enthusiasm and sportsmanship for being part of this event. Mia Hamm told us “ I feel so great being part of this match today”.

Steven, brother of Sergio Villanueva holding the retired #10 jersey in memory to the heroe

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A few minutes before the game began the FDNY team was reminded by their coach Joseph Brosi, not to forget what they were there for and encourage them to enjoy the game as much as possible.  We spoke to the captain of the team Wayman Iriarte whom he had known Sergio Villanueva through the FDNY soccer club. The captain belongs to Ladder 11 in Manhattan and joined the soccer club the same year he joined the FDNY in 1993.

The game ended with a tie of  3 to 3; with the first two goals scored by the FDNY team the first half.  The women’s team caught up the second half and each team scored an additional goal.

The conclusion of this friendly match did really honor Firefighter Sergio G.Villanueva, his relatives and the legacy he left behind.  This event had not been possible without Philips Electronics, a long time partner and sponsor of soccer in the US.

• The legends’ own words

Super star Mia Hamm in action

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“I’m very enthusiastic about contributing to the Sergio Villanueva Soccer Foundation and felt happy being at this game”. (Mia Hamm)

Joy Fawcett “A message for all soccer players: to continue playing and to go out there and do their best”. (Joy Fawcett)

“I’m content about being part of this charity match on behalf of the Sergio Villanueva Soccer Foundation”. (Kristine Lilly)

“I’m still involved in soccer activities and coach in summer camps and proud  to be here. My regards to HOLAFUTBOL.COM”. (Julie Foudy)

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