CARSON, Calif. — Robbie Rogers became the first openly gay male athlete to play in a U.S. professional league on Sunday night, making his Major League Soccer debut with the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Rogers entered as a substitute in the 77th minute with the Galaxy leading the Seattle Sounders 4-0, which turned out to be the final score.
Robbie Rogers
Rogers received loud cheers from the crowd as he ran onto the pitch. Fans chanted his last name.
Before the game, Rogers was the focus of six photographers after he and the other subs sat on the bench.
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Marc Burch, a Sounders substitute, slapped hands with Rogers as he headed toward the visiting bench. Seattle coach Sigi Schmid, who once coached the Galaxy, sought out Rogers for a supportive pre-game hug.
Rogers signed with the team Saturday after being acquired from the Chicago Fire.
The Galaxy traded Mike Magee to his hometown Fire in exchange for the rights to Rogers, who signed a multiyear deal.
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