February 8, 2013
WHAT A RELIEF
Rivera attends NYC Soccer Gala

Yankees reliever Mariiano Rivera attended the NYC Soccer Gala at the N.Y. Athletic Club on Thursday night. Former LIU coach Arnie Ramirez (front left), was one of the honorees. Photo courtesy of Arnie Ramirez

New York Yankees legend and reliever Mariano Rivera attended the NYC Soccer Gala at the New York Athletic Club in Manhattan.

According to former LIU coach Arnie Ramirez, Rivera is a big soccer fan.

Rivera, who is returning from a serious knee injury from last season, is a native of Panama. Los Canaleros are competing in the CONCACAF hexagonal in World Cup qualifying. Panama lost a two-goal advantage at home in a 2-2 draw with Costa Rica on Wednesday.

A pair of Yankee shirts, autographed by Rivera, were auctioned off by emcee, sportscaster Bruce Beck, for the Gala. Two fans paid $2,750 each for the shirts.