Minnesota United FC midfielder Collin Martin rang in Pride Night in Minnesota the best way he possibly could.
By being himself.
Hours before the Loons and their faithful came together for a Week 18 match against FC Dallas (8 pm ET | TV & streaming info) to showcase the inclusiveness and diversity of MLS clubs and their supporters, the 23-year-old Martin shared a personal message on social media:
Minnesota’s Pride Night is just one of many around the league during the month of June as MLS and its clubs bring to life the “Soccer For All” mantra in stadiums across MLS this month.
“We admire Collin's courage, and are proud of him and of the support from the soccer community,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a statement.
Like ex-LA Galaxy player Robbie Rogers and MLS referee Matthew Nelson before him, Martin’s public message is especially aimed to encourage others that “sport will welcome them.”
And that’s what Pride Nights and Pride Months are all about.
Support for Martin shortly came in from across MLS including his teammates Christian Ramirez and Eric Miller.
You can read more about Martin's coming out story in this profile by Megan Ryan for the Star Tribune.
