Tim Howard jersey up for grabs in Opportunity Village auction

A Tim Howard soccer jersey could fetch a lot of attention today — the final day of an Opportunity Village auction — after his heroic efforts in Tuesday’s World Cup thriller between the U.S. and Belgium.

Howard’s record-breaking performance elevated him to superhero status in the 2-1 loss to Belgium.

Opportunity Village is auctioning off a Howard game-worn and autographed Everton jersey. Howard has played goalkeeper for the Everton Football Club since 2006.

The jersey came from competitors from Liverpool in the Las Vegas Great Santa Run. Howard signed it, “Best Wishes to Las Vegas in the World Santa Challenge.” Everton is a Liverpool district.

The auction is part of Opportunity Village’s 60th anniversary fundraising campaign.

All donations between May 15 of this year and May 15, 2015 will be matched by the Engelstad Family Foundation in memory of Ralph Engelstad, former owner of the Imperial Palace and co-developer of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Bidding closes at noon today. Bidding started at $250 via email to hollanda@opportunityvillage.org. All proceeds benefit individuals with intellectual disabilities at Opportunity Village and help support the 10th annual Las Vegas Great Santa Run in December.

With a boost from Shania Twain’s star power, Las Vegas set a Great Santa Run record last year with a turnout of 11,221.

Howard set a World Cup record with 16 saves in the game that ended at 0-0 in regulation time. The previous record was 13 by Peru’s Ramon Quiroga against Holland in 1978.

Howard’s superman performance lit up the Internet. After the game, someone tweeted, “Two thirds of the world is covered by water. The other third is covered by Tim Howard.”

Another tweet: “Jeopardy sports: This soccer player started July with 413,000 followers. He now has 0, as he’s since blocked them all.”

TELLER’S PERFECT COMEBACK

Raymond Teller, the silent half of Penn &Teller, was in a royal predicament. He talks, but only on rare occasions.

He made one of those June 23 during a dinner at Windsor Castle with England’s Prince Charles, the future king.

Here’s the seating arrangement: Teller, Penn Jillette and their manager, Glenn Alai, were seated across from Charles, who was next to Sarah Jessica Parker. The star of “Sex and the City” fame was a guest of the Las Vegas headliners.

Apparently unaware of Teller’s muted personality, His Royal Highness asked Teller, “Have you found your career in magic to be rewarding?” Teller impishly replied, “I am sitting across from you, aren’t I?”

Penn &Teller, who were on a two-week, sold-out tour of the United Kingdom, were invited to the dinner and to perform for Charles in an evening benefiting his charities in celebration of his 40th year as a member of Britain’ esteemed Magic Circle.

Penn &Teller performed their version of the Cups and Balls, which was the trick Charles performed 40 years ago to gain membership in the Magic Circle.

THE SCENE AND HEARD

Johnny Manziel’s party reputation grew Tuesday when Beverly Hills, Calif., police broke up a party at Justin Bieber’s home about 3 a.m. Tuesday. Earlier Bieber tweeted a group shot that included Floyd Mayweather Jr., Manziel, Bieber and Tyrese Gibson. …

In conjunction with International Fight Week and UFC 175, an advanced screening of Fox’s “Let’s Be Cops,” starring Daman Wayans Jr. and Jake Johnson, will be tonight at Brooklyn Bowl at The Linq. Johnson and Wayans will attend. At 10 p.m., UFC fighters will take part in a Ride-the-High Roller benefit. Tuesday’s Art of Fighting Gala showcased works from Lorenzo Fertitta’s collection, including Andy Warhol and Basquiat. Graffiti artist Justin Bua and octagon girl/artist Brittney Palmer also were featured.

SIGHTINGS

British soccer star Wayne Rooney, with his wife and friends at Tao Asian Bistro on Monday night before partying at Marquee nightclub at The Cosmopolitan. The Manchester United forward just competed in the World Cup. … Joe Pantoliano, who played Ralphie Cifaretto on “The Sopranos,” dining with friends at Ferraro’s on Monday. … Giada De Laurentiis, checking out the High Roller at The Linq on Sunday. … Shaquille O’Neal, backstage after David Copperfield’s show Sunday at the MGM Grand. … Venetian headliner Rita Rudner, meeting the cast of Blue Man Group with her family after Saturday’s performance. … Supermodel Tyra Banks, dining at Giada (The Cromwell) on Friday.

THE PUNCH LINE

“Batman now has Tim Howard pajamas.” — Twitter

Norm Clarke’s column appears Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. He can be reached at 702-383-0244 or email him at norm@reviewjournal.com. Find more online at www.normclarke.com. Follow Norm on Twitter @Norm_Clarke. “Norm Clarke’s Vegas,” airs Thursdays on the “Morning Blend” on KTNV-TV, Channel 13.