As it happened: Soccer Night in Newtown

You had a feeling that tonight was going to be special.

35 MLS players, league personnel (including the Commissioner, who cancelled his original plans to attend the Ballon d'Or ceremony) and most importantly hundreds of families from the Newtown, Ct. community came together for an unforgettable event. 

This was Soccer Night in Newtown. 

While the fun was going down inside the Newtown Youth Academy, participants and observers alike were capturing their favorite moments from the event to share on social media. Below are some of the tweets that we'll remember from what was incredible evening. Enjoy. 

Looking forward to joining over 35 @mls players and top US Men's and Women's National team legends later today for #SoccerNightinNewtown.

— Don Garber (@thesoccerdon) January 7, 2013

Heading up for tonight's #SoccerNightInNewtown event. @miahamm promised not to meg me if we play...well at least not to laugh.

— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) January 7, 2013

I love #SoccerNightInNewtown. I wish I could hug all the #NERevs & other #MLS players that are giving back to a community that lost so much.

— Heather O'Neill (@originalhoneill) January 7, 2013

so..yeah..@houstondynamo brought the bling. #SoccerNightInNewtown twitter.com/chrisjballard/…

— Chris Ballard (@chrisjballard) January 7, 2013

im really pumped that i have badass friends who are over in CT right now putting on a show for the familys! This is what soccer is all about

— Chris Seitz (@Seitzy1) January 7, 2013

Really impressed with what @chriscanetti has organized in Newton tonight. Props to all participating in this great event incl @salzizzo

— Merritt Paulson (@MerrittPaulson) January 7, 2013

All the soccer stars are here in one room being briefed by Commissioner Garber. Impressive showing. yfrog.com/mmizksfj

— Chris Canetti (@ChrisCanetti) January 7, 2013

Pretty cool show of support by the US soccer community here for Soccer Night in Newtown.

— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) January 7, 2013

Having a great time in #Newtown! Lots of smiles!

— Kristine lilly (@KristineLilly) January 7, 2013

Wish i could be at #SoccerNightInNewtown tonight.Well done to the guys who are there, and God bless all involved...#PrayForNewtown #MLS

— Drew Moor (@drewmoor) January 7, 2013

Such a joy to see such a big MLS presence at #soccernightinnewtown.Kudos to the league and all involved.

— Central Mass Cobras (@CMCobras) January 7, 2013

Mia Hamm signing autographs! #NYA #soccernightinnewtown twitter.com/NYAsportsfit/s…

— NewtownYouthAcademy (@NYAsportsfit) January 7, 2013

Finishing up at Soccer Night in Newtown. Thank you Sandy Hook twitter.com/GrantWahl/stat…

— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) January 7, 2013