Major League Soccer and its clubs will commemorate the 9/11 tragedies across all nine matches that will be played this weekend, beginning with Friday’s match between the LA Galaxy and the Colorado Rapids at the Home Depot Center (11 pm ET, Fox Soccer and Fox Deportes).
In addition to a 30-second moment of silence before the singing of the national anthem, all players and referees will wear a black armband with the official logo of the 9/11 Memorial. There will also be a PSA on video boards and match broadcasts to encourage donations to the 9/11 Memorial and other related charities.
"The entire MLS family looks to honor those who lost their lives and those that so heroically worked as first responders on 9/11,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a league statement. “It is important that we all take time to reflect on the devastating loss on that tragic day and recognize the enormous commitment and sacrifices made by so many brave Americans that work to protect our safety every day."
Each MLS home team will also host specific events and activities related to the 9/11 remembrances:
LA Galaxy vs. Colorado Rapids (11 pm ET, Friday): The Galaxy will donate a portion of ticket sales to the FDNY Widows and Orphans Foundation and honor local members of the LA County Fire Department, the LA City Fire Department and the LA Sheriff’s Department.
Seattle Sounders vs. Real Salt Lake (4 pm ET, Saturday): The Sounders will hand out 35,000 miniature US flags which will be raised from the 9th to 11th minute.
New York Red Bulls vs. Vancouver Whitecaps (7:30 pm ET, Saturday): The Red Bulls will have a large American flag be presented by center circle participants, first responders and their families. The five branches of the military will be represented by Star Flags to be held by members of the South Ward, RBNY fans and front office staff, league employees, and troops; the color guard will be on hand for the ceremonies. Players from both teams will be escorted to the pitch by youths of Tuesday’s Children, an organization that provides support to the families affected by 9/11 and global terrorism. First Lieutenant Eddy Valverde, a 2004 Purple Heart Recipient for wounds received as a result of enemy fire while serving in Iraq, will deliver the night’s game ball. Between the 9th and 11th minutes of the match, fans will be asked to raise their flags to honor the victims and heroes of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Members of the Red Bulls Academy will be scattered on the concourse during pregame and halftime to raise donations for the 9/11 Memorial Fund. An additional raffle will take place in Section 127 as part of “A Jersey Off Our Backs.”
Philadelphia Union vs. Portland Timbers (7:30 pm ET, Saturday): The Union’s Sons of Ben supporters club will raise their scarves during the 9th and 11th minute of the match and a water tribute will be staged by fireboats in the river outside PPL Park.
New England Revolution vs. FC Dallas (7:30 pm ET, Saturday): The Revs have distributed more than 3,500 tickets to Armed Services from throughout New England. The US Army and US Marines will have a significant presence in pregame activities, including enlistment ceremonies at halftime. The club will also distribute 5,000 miniature American flags and auction off game-worn jerseys and armbands in benefit of the 9/11 Memorial Fund.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Chicago Fire (10:30 pm ET, Saturday): San Jose goalkeeper Jon Busch will auction off gear for the Navy SEAL Foundation and the club will also air a 9/11 tribute video featuring Earthquakes players and Santa Clara Fire Department.
Chivas USA vs. D.C. United (10:30 pm ET, Saturday): The Goats will grant freed admission to the match against DC to all military personnel, firefighters, police, EMTs, paramedics and their families with valid ID. There will also be on-field and video board tributes to remember the heroes of the Sept. 11 attacks.
