CultureMap Video
Dating a Dynamo: Danny Cruz pines for Natalie Portman and doesn't believe intraditional dates
Want to get up close and personal with your favorite Houston Dynamo player? Head to Drink Houston on April 30th for Cruz'in for A Cure, a fundraiser and party organized by Dynamo player Danny Cruz to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).
This is a highly-personal cause for Cruz and he's set a goal of raising $30,000 for LLS. Much of that will depend on this night and its unique twist, which centers on a bachelor auction of 11 Dynamo hotties. Who should you bid on? Let CultureMap's dating personality quiz be your guide.
The namesake of this whole charitable endeavor, midfielder Danny Cruz is in his third year with the team and has shown tremendous growth — playing in 25 of the Dynamo's 30 games last season and starting 14 matches. Cruz didn't pick up soccer until his freshman year of high school, but it's obvious he's come a long way.
He took some time to answer the tough questions for CultureMap in anticipation of the big auction.
Stats:
21 year old from Phoenix.
Zodiac sign:
Capricorn
Idea of a perfect first date:
"Long walks on the beach. Just kidding, I don't go on dates. Maybe Mexican food."
What's the craziest thing you've ever done to impress a girl?
"Wow, it's a good thing these are easy questions!"
Do you believe in love at first sight?
"I do, absolutely."
What's your favorite date movie?
"Honestly, Date Night. It was funny!"
If you were an animal, what kind of animal would you be?
"I'd be a cheetah."
Who's your celebrity crush?
"Natalie Portman."
What is your most annoying habit?
"I bite my nails."
Sarah's appraisal: $4,750
Talking about dating maybe isn't Danny's strong suit, but hearing him talk about how important this charity is to him and how much he loves the kids he works with will seriously melt your heart.
Caroline's appraisal: $4,500
Cruz is a definite cutie, and gets major points for organizing this whole shebang, but the midfielder gets docked for his uneven application of dating rules and his penchant for pregnant ladies.
Longtime sports writer Chris Baldwin's appraisal: $3400
Cruz is fast and fiery. He concentrated on American football first in high school and that attitude shows on the soccer field. This is a guy who was ejected after just 12 minutes of one game last year — for receiving two yellow cards in that span. He collects red cards like Charlie Sheen collects Goddesses. But he also drives the other team to distraction, drawing plenty of fouls and free kicks himself.
In many ways, Cruz is a modern-day soccer version of renowned basketball pest Danny Ainge. And who wouldn't want to pick that guy's brain at dinner?
Striking even more of a contrast, Cruz turns into Mr. Charity once the final whistle blows. Remember, this is a 21-year-old spearheading this leukemia drive.
As an aside, I think we all can be thankful that Sarah and Caroline are only in charge of their own spending.