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.
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Robbie Rogers moves to the ball against the Seattle Sounders during the second half of their MLS soccer match on May 26, 2013.
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:
#WelcomeBackRobbie
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
"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."