Community

More than 1,700 miles separate Houston and Newton, Conn., but the Dynamo aren't concerned with distance as they do their part to support a grieving community in the wake of unimaginable tragedy.

On Friday, Houston announced they were partnering with the Quinnipiac University soccer program and the Connecticut Football Club to host "Soccer Night in Newtown" on Monday, January 7. Dynamo president and Guilford, Conn., native Chris Canetti is leading the charge, using his connections in his new home to provide a much-needed distraction for those affected by the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

"Soccer is a big part of the Newtown community, and we thought it would be a great idea to give the kids a chance to have some fun playing a game they love alongside some of America's top professional players and some of the area's top collegiate players," Canetti said in a statement. "I hope this event can be a diversion from some of the harsh realities facing their world and provide an opportunity to create positive lifelong memories."

Forward Brian Ching, midfielders Ricardo Clark and Brad Davis, defender Corey Ashe and goalkeeper Tally Hall will all make the trip to Newton to sign autographs and participate in soccer-themed activities at the free event. Houston also opened an auction to benefit the United Way's Sandy Hook School Support Fund, and prizes includes a trip for two to see the Dynamo play a 2013 home game at BBVA Compass Stadium in downtown Houston.

There isn't much to say other than 'Well done, Dynamo." At times like these, we're all in it together, and Houston's attitude toward tragedy is a lesson to us all.

See how you can help support Sandy Hook victims here.

Deadspin beat us to this one, and for that, we salute you guys. With cheesesteaks.

Honestly, there's not a lot to say about this footage of the 1924 US Open Cup final between the Fall River Marksmen and Vesper Buick besides "wow." And, "I wish there was enough footage of the old ASL for Ken Burns to do one of those eight-hour documentaries that I love so much."

Oh, and, "Who says that America has no soccer history or culture?" As wotnograpefruit, a commenter on the video's YouTube page, points out: This video, which shows that the Vesper Buick players had numbers on their jerseys, predates the previously reported beginning of numbered jerseys, 1928 with English side Arsenal.   

So I guess there's actually a bunch to say about this. I love the US Open Cup. And I love that this video still exists.

December is upon us and the clubs are already getting into the holiday spirit. Check out this week's highlights from the community.

New England's Simms, Barnes build gingerbread houses for charity

BBVA Compass Stadium earns LEED Silver Certification

D.C. United supports Capital Area Food Bank

Colorado Rapids continue final Movember push for donations

Toronto FC supports You Can Play

Toronto FC helps Camp Trillium

For more community news from around the League, visit the MLS W.O.R.K.S. news section.

MLS W.O.R.K.S. and the LA Galaxy Foundation brought LA Galaxy mascot, Cozmo, along with the MLS Cup trophy to visit with patients at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Cozmo visited with patients in the activity center where they were working on arts and crafts and playing board games and video games. Patients were able to take photos with the MLS Cup trophy and hang out with Cozmo for the afternoon.  Cozmo also stopped into a few rooms and gave all patients MLS Cup 2012 mini soccer balls and MLS Cup t-shirts, courtesy of MLS W.O.R.K.S. and the LA Galaxy Foundation.

View photos from the event here.