We’ve compiled a short list of our favorite stories and events that took place over 2012. Obviously they are subjective and up for debate. Here they are in ranking order. Drop us a tweet and let us know what you think @charityballnews
12. David Beckham Goes Out In Style
On December 1, “Becks” finished out his contract with the LA Galaxy by taking home the MLS Championship. 5 years later, The Beckham Experiment has proved to be a huge win for US Major League Soccer. We’ll see what happens next.
11. Tim Howard’s Keeper Goal
Four days into 2012, Tim Howard (while playing for Everton) scored his first professional goal. It was off a monster boot from the inside of his own 18-yard line. He joins the soccer history makers by being the 4th goalkeeper ever to score in the Barclay’s Premier League.
10. Spain’s World Hat Trick
After winning the 2008 Euro, the 2010 World Cup, The Spanish International Team earned themselves a world tourney hat trick by taking home the hardware at this year’s Euro 12. Nice job boys.
9. Bounce Athletics Gives 5% Of Profits To Charity Ball
Bounce Athletics, a custom soccer ball company located in Petoskey, Michigan decided to partner with Charity Ball by giving 5% of their total sales to help share the Beautiful Game. To date, several hundred Bounce Athletics soccer balls have been hand-delivered to kids in poverty-stricken communities around the world. Learn more
8. Dempsey’s Outstanding Season
After scoring 17 goals, the most any American has scored in one season in the Premier League, Deuce rounded out the 2012 season with a transfer to Tottenham Hotspur. Way to put the biscuits in the basket #2.
7. SoccerPro.com Sponsors Charity Ball
To promote the Beautiful Game and support the work of Charity Ball, SoccerPro.com helped underwrite tournament kits for the U14 Lakeshore Premier Team in Grand Haven, Michigan. The Kits were designed to create awareness and raise funds at a state tournament last spring. SoccerPro.com has been a huge advocate for Charity Ball and has been sponsoring projects and assisting with soccer balls for the last two years. SoccerPro
6. US Men Beat Mexico At The Azteca
The USMNT made history on August 15. It was first time the US beat Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. With the home field advantage and the energy of 105,000 screaming fans, the Azteca is considered to be one of the hardest places to beat Mexico. This was definitely one of the best moments of 2012.
5. Champions League Glory For Chelsea
Roberto Di Mateo was the acting interim coach after Andres Vilas Boas was axed. Many people called it a fluke. Fluke or not, it was one of the most entertaining CL finale matches ever. Drogba gave the Blues a lifeline after heading home a corner kick in the 90th minute. He also sealed the deal by scoring the final kick in the penalty shoot-out to hand Chelsea the 2012 CL trophy.
4. Lionel Messi Breaks Goal Scoring Record
Lionel Messi scored his 86th goal of the year on December 9. The Argentine broke Gerd Muller’s standing 40-year, single season scoring record. Definitely need to respect the Barcelona magic man.
3. “I Like Soccer Balls” Video
Bass Creative and the folks at Ilikegiving.com produced a 5-minute video that revolves around the Charity Ball story. The video has been broadcasted in a variety of different places including halftime at the Real Salt Lake vs.Chivas MLS Game last spring.
2. USA Women Take Gold At 2012 Summer Olympics
After an exciting semi-final match against Canada, the USWNT advanced to the olympic finals. They were met by Japan and battled it out for the championship. In the end, it was the ladies who took the gold and the prestigious center stage.
1. Canton Celtic Soccer Club Raises $7,000 For Charity Ball
The Canton soccer club accomplished the impossible by raising over $7,000 in one week by collecting soda cans and pop bottles. A large portion of the soccer balls being hand-delivered on the Charity Ball 2013 World Tour (beginning January 9) are a result of the hard work and fundraising efforts of the Canton players. Charity Ball is proud to call this our number 1 of 2012. Canton Soccer Club
