Robbie Rogers Played Soccer Sunday Night — And Made History

    A little past 9:45 p.m. in California on Sunday night, Robbie Rogers — wearing number 14 — took to the field for the Los Angeles Galaxy. It was the first time an out gay man had played in a prominent major league team sport in the U.S.

    I won't ever forget tonight! I love my new home @lagalaxy.

    Robbie Rogers

    @robbierogers

    I won't ever forget tonight! I love my new home @lagalaxy.

    At 9:47 p.m., Rogers got ready:

    Robbie Rogers looks to be the next sub for LA. Warmups are off and he's standing midfield!

    LA Galaxy

    @LAGalaxy

    Robbie Rogers looks to be the next sub for LA. Warmups are off and he's standing midfield!

    Then, at 9:48 p.m., Rogers took to the field:

    Here we go, @robbierogers checks in for Juninho to a roaring crowd

    LA Galaxy

    @LAGalaxy

    Here we go, @robbierogers checks in for Juninho to a roaring crowd

    The team noted the history Rogers made Sunday night:

    Great to see everyone's support of Robbie tonight as he made history as the 1st openly gay athlete to play in American professional sports.

    LA Galaxy

    @LAGalaxy

    Great to see everyone's support of Robbie tonight as he made history as the 1st openly gay athlete to play in American professional sports.

    The league tweeted its support:

    Major League Soccer

    @MLS

    #WelcomeBackRobbie

    The team even gave Rogers' stats after the game:

    Some final stats for Robbie Rogers in his #LAGalaxy debut: 5 touches, 3-for-3 on passes, and 1-for-1 on duels won tonight #LAvSEA

    LA Galaxy

    @LAGalaxy

    Some final stats for Robbie Rogers in his #LAGalaxy debut: 5 touches, 3-for-3 on passes, and 1-for-1 on duels won tonight #LAvSEA

    And the fans — of both teams and of Rogers — joined in the moment:

    Really happy to see @robbierogers back on the pitch. I am glad he feels like he can get back in the game. #welcomebackrobbie #progress

    Kristen Gambetta

    @kgambetta

    Really happy to see @robbierogers back on the pitch. I am glad he feels like he can get back in the game. #welcomebackrobbie #progress

    not too bad of an mls game tonight and it sure was great seeing @robbierogers back on the pitch tonight. #welcomebackrobbie

    Justin Ryan

    @jtrsteel15

    not too bad of an mls game tonight and it sure was great seeing @robbierogers back on the pitch tonight. #welcomebackrobbie

    Robbie Rogers breaks down a barrier. First openly gay male athlete to compete in an American sport. #WelcomeBackRobbie

    Tim Fontenault

    @Tim_Fontenault

    Robbie Rogers breaks down a barrier. First openly gay male athlete to compete in an American sport. #WelcomeBackRobbie

    I might be a Sounder but I'm very proud of Robbie Rogers right now. #WelcomeBackRobbie

    Selina Dorado

    @SelinaDorado

    I might be a Sounder but I'm very proud of Robbie Rogers right now. #WelcomeBackRobbie

    Willed myself to stay awake to see @robbierogers make history. #WelcomeBackRobbie @MLS

    Mark Waite

    @MarkWaite13

    Willed myself to stay awake to see @robbierogers make history. #WelcomeBackRobbie @MLS

    Finally, Rogers talked about the night in a news conference after the game:

    View this video on YouTube

    youtube.com

    "I keep saying the word normal, normal, but it was." Rogers said. "I'm excited to move on from here."

    Later, he added, "I've kinda been on this huge journey to kinda figure out my life, and now I'm back here, I think, kinda where I'm supposed to be."