By DAN KARELL
The Los Angeles Galaxy announced over their Twitter account that Robbie Rogers had joined the team in training on Tuesday.
The former U.S. international was practicing with a professional team for the first time since last February, when he simultaneously retired from the game and came out as gay.
On April 17, Galaxy manager Bruce Arena responded to comments by Rogers about reaching out to Arena for a training invitation by saying that the 25-year-old California native is always welcome at Galaxy training. After Tuesday’s practice, Galaxy midfielder Landon Donovan gave his thoughts on Rogers appearance.
“My opinion is that Robbie is an inspiration to all of us as human beings,” Donovan told LAGalaxy.com. “I think that he’s paving the way for not only gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual people and athletes, but for all of us to be okay with who we are.”
Here are some more stories to get you caught up around the league:
VIANA TO MISS NEXT MATCH
The Columbus Crew will be without a key player in their lineup when they welcome in the New York Red Bulls this Saturday.
According to reports out of Columbus, midfielder Agustin Viana’s MRI exam on his injured hamstring revealed no damage, but the 29-year-old has been ruled out of Saturday’s match-up at Crew Stadium. Viana started last Saturday against D.C. United but was substituted after just 20 minutes.
The Uruguayan-raised midfielder has started in all eight of the Crew’s games this season, helping lead the team to fifth place in the Eastern Conference standings. Viana has yet to record a goal or an assist this season.
DYNAMO ANNOUNCE STOKE CITY AS CHARITIES CUP OPPONENT
The Houston Dynamo announced on Tuesday that their opponent in the annual BBVA Compass Dynamo Charities Cup this year will be English Premier League side Stoke City.
The match is set to take place on July 24, and will see the return of defender Geoff Cameron to Houston for the first time since his transfer last August to Stoke. The English side will also be playing FC Dallas three days later at FC Dallas Stadium, giving midfielder Brek Shea a chance to return to his former stomping grounds.
The English side, who also have the loaned-out Maurice Edu on their roster, will be in the U.S. for ten days during their pre-season ahead of the 2013-2014 Premier League campaign. The Dynamo announced that proceeds from this year’s Charaties Cup will go towards the “Building a Better Houston” initiative.
RAPIDS SIGN SUPPLEMENTAL PICK GRIFFITHS
The Colorado Rapids signed their first selection in the 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft on Tuesday.
The club inked central defender Brenton Griffiths to a contract after training with the team since preseason and taking part in all four of the Rapids reserve matches this season. The 22-year-old Jamaican spent the last two years playing at the University of South Florida, scoring four goals in 36 matches.
“Brenton is a solid, young defender who is eager to learn,” said Rapids Technical Director Paul Bravo to ColoradoRapids.com. “”We’ve been encouraged by his effort and tenacity since he began practicing with us, and we’re pleased to add him to our roster.”
Griffiths has also represented his native Jamaica with their Under-17 and Under-20 teams. He was the 25th pick (second round) of the 2013 Supplemental Draft.
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What do you make of these reports? Are you happy to see Rogers back in training? Do you see him making a comeback? How much do you think the Viana injury will affect the Crew?
Share your thoughts below.