Rapids’ match postponed as part of protest

As a protest of racial inequities in the U. S., the Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas decided to not play their scheduled match Wednesday night in Texas.

The league released a statement 45 minutes before the scheduled kick- off time between the two clubs condemning racism and the shooting of Jacob Black by police in Kenosha, Wisc.

“The entire Major League Soccer family is deeply saddened and horrified by the senseless shooting of Jacob Blake and events in Kenosha,” the statement read. “We continue to stand with the Black community throughout our country — including our players and employees — and share in their pain, anger and frustration.”

Rapids front office executive Padraig Smith released a statement through the team Twitter account late Wednesday.

“We fully support the decision made by our players to join athletes across the country in using their platforms to fight for change, justice and accountability,” the statement read.

“As a club, as an organization, and more importantly, as human beings, we stand united in condemning racial and social injustices.”

Colorado head coach Robin Fraser also expressed support for the players in a statement released by the team.

“I stand in solidarity with the decision of the players tonight,” the statement read. “There is currently a movement toward positive change that feels different than at any other time in my 40 years living in this country.”

Players from Miami and Atlanta stood together in for a moment of silence at midfield before their scheduled match, then called the game off. Real Salt Lake, LAFC, LA Galaxy, Portland Timbers, San Jose Earthquakes and Seattle Sounders all protested their matches as well.

There were six games slated for Wednesday across the league, with Nashville and Orlando the only match that ended up getting played.

Colorado’s match was supposed to be the Rapids’ second game of an announced 18- game slate following the MLS is Back Tournament. Colorado is still scheduled to host Sporting Kansas City on Saturday.

Wednesday night’s match in Dallas is officially listed as postponed, but there is no information yet on how or if this game will be made up at a later date.

Rick Bowmer, The Associated Press Players from Los Angeles FC take a photo prior to the announcement that their game against Real Salt Lake was called off. Major League Soccer players boycotted five games Wednesday night in a collective statement against racial injustice.