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 (8 p.m. PT, 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:
Philadelphia Union vs. Portland Timbers (4:30 p.m. PT, Saturday): The Union’s Sons of Ben supporters club will raise their scarves during the 9th and 11th minute of the match and sing God Bless America at the 9:11 mark. Additionally, a water tribute will be staged by fireboats in the Delaware River outside PPL Park.
LA Galaxy vs. Colorado Rapids (8 p.m. PT, 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 (1 p.m. PT, Saturday): The Sounders will hand out 35,000 miniature US flags which will be raised from the 9th to 11th minute.
New England Revolution vs. FC Dallas (4:30 p.m. PT, Saturday): The Revs have distributed more than 3,500 tickets to Armed Services from throughout New England. The U.S. Army and U.S. 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.
SJ Earthquakes vs. Chicago Fire (7:30 p.m. PT, 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 (7:30 p.m. PT, 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.
