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Bornstein's Boots Helped Honduras To The World Cup; They Now Can Score Even Bigger Goal In Helping H

January 22, 2010 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Club Deportivo Chivas USA News Release


CHICAGO (Jan. 22, 2010) - U.S. Men's National Team defender Jonathan Bornstein's last gasp goal against Costa Rica in World Cup qualifying aided Honduras in their quest to reach the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and now he's hoping the shoes he wore that night will give a bigger assist to relief efforts benefitting Haiti.

Bornstein has autographed and donated the shoes he wore during the historic match for an online charity auction on eBay, with 100 percent of the money raised to be donated to the American Red Cross to aid in their relief efforts in Haiti.

The auction begins today (Friday) and will run through Wednesday, Jan. 27.

BID NOW!!

"The devastation and suffering in Haiti is a tragedy for everyone," said Bornstein. "One of our teammates, Jozy Altidore, is the son of Haitian immigrants and still has many family members there. It's heartbreaking to see what is happening, and we hope to be able to help in any way we can."

On Oct. 14, 2009, the final day of qualifying and the end of a journey lasting nearly 18 months, the U.S. had already earned a spot in the World Cup by defeating Honduras four days earlier and was committed to winning first place in the group. In order for Honduras to qualify that day, they needed to win against El Salvador and for the U.S. to at least tie against Costa Rica.

Having secured their victory against El Salvador and watching helplessly as the U.S. trailed Costa Rica with only seconds remaining, their despair turned to incredible joy when Bornstein headed home a corner kick from Robbie Rogers to even the match at 2-2, setting off a jubilant celebration of U.S. fans at RFK Stadium and in the streets of Honduras thousands of miles away. On an emotional night for the U.S. team, the tie ensured first place in the group for the second straight cycle, and lifted Honduras into their first World Cup in 28 years.

Watch the goal and listen to the amazing radio call from Honduras Bornstein became an instant celebrity in Honduras, even receiving an invitation to visit through the press from the president of the country. To this day, he gets daily messages of thanks from Honduran fans. There is even a Facebook page dedicated to him called 'Gracias Jonathan Bornstein.'

Authorities estimate that the devastating earthquake that struck near the capital of Haiti has affected three million people. Hundreds of thousands are feared dead; many more people are injured or without basic supplies or shelter. The Red Cross is part of an enormous relief operation in Haiti following the massive earthquake there on January 12. It will be a long-term recovery effort and the Red Cross will be there throughout.

Fans interested in donating directly to the relief efforts can text the word HAITI to 90999 to contribute 10 dollars to the Red Cross or visit RedCross.org to make a donation.



Major League Soccer Stories from January 22, 2010


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