NBA European Soccer

Thierry Henry once said that he would love to live in New York City because he wouldn't get the kind of attention he gets in Europe.

"When I'm in America I can be myself, I have no eyes on me. If I want to stop and buy a slice of pizza, pay man and just sit on a bench I can do that."

After last night's "Showdown in Chinatown," he might want to rethink that notion. Adam Spangler at This is American Soccer noted that Henry had plenty of eyes on him -- perhaps even more than NBA stars like Steve Nash, Baron Davis and Jason Kidd, or former Red Bull Jozy Altidore. Adam has an excellent photo essay on the event here, and you can find some decent Flickr photo sets here and here.

Hey, New York Red Bulls supporters, want to get a preview of the next star striker your team will sign within about two years?

Barcelona forward Thierry Henry is schedule to join his pal Steve Nash and other NBA stars in a charity soccer match tonight in New York City. "The Showdown in Chinatown" will also feature Red Bulls midfielder Claudio Reyna, former Liverpool star Robbie Fowler, and NBA players Baron Davis, Jason Kidd, Raja Bell and Leandro Barbosa.

Nash put the game together to raise money for his foundation, but he got a welcome boost for his cause from Henry, thanks to France's dismal early exit from EURO 2008.

The 8-on-8 friendly kicks off at 5:30 p.m. tonight in Sara D. Roosevelt Park. Admission is free, though I suspect Nash will gladly accept your donations.

(H/T: Goal)