Rogers first openly gay man in US pro sport

Robbie Rogers AP FILE PHOTO

CARSON — Robbie Rogers became the first openly gay man to play in a U.S. professional league when he made his debut with Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer on Sunday.

Rogers entered as a substitute in the 77th minute with the Galaxy leading the Seattle Sounders 4-0, which turned out to be the final score.

He received loud cheers from the crowd of 24,811 as he ran onto the pitch, with fans chanting his name. Rogers ran by teammate Landon Donovan, who slapped his hand and patted him on the back as he took his position.

Rogers’ signing on Saturday was so recent that he wasn’t listed in the game match program, which featured a picture of Mike Magee in the centerfold. Magee was traded to his hometown Chicago Fire, which held Rogers’ MLS rights.

Rogers spent the past two seasons in England with Leeds United and a loan spell at Stevenage.

The loudest chants of “Robbie, Robbie” were for Robbie Keane, who had his first hat trick for the Galaxy. His three goals, including two on penalties, and another by Sean Franklin gave the Galaxy a 4-0 lead at halftime.