MLS Houston Dynamo FC

Dynamo Players Take the Field with Pediatric Cancer Patients' Names on Jerseys

Published on September 5, 2020 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Houston Dynamo FC News Release


HOUSTON - Prior to kickoff of tonight's Houston Dynamo match against Sporting Kansas City at BBVA Stadium, the Starting XI for the Dynamo paid tribute to the ongoing effort to defeat childhood cancer by taking the field wearing jerseys that featured the names of pediatric cancer patients.

Each of the 11 starters wore a jersey that featured his number, but had the name of a boy or girl who is undergoing treatment at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. MD Anderson is the world's leading cancer research and treatment facility and is the official cancer center of the Houston Dynamo and the NWSL's Houston Dash. MD Anderson's iconic logo is featured on the front of the game jerseys for both teams.

September is Kick Childhood Cancer month in Major League Soccer, and the league commemorates the month in a number of ways, big and small. Typically, the Dynamo have invited pediatric cancer patients to walk onto the pitch with the Starting XI, but due to heightened health and safety precautions related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the team found a new way to honor these courageous children and teens.

Among the other ways in which MLS will feature the Kick Childhood Cancer campaign, every player in the league will have a gold ribbon emblazoned on his jersey, while the Official Match Ball will also feature a gold ribbon. Each of the league's 26 stadia will feature gold nets in the goals and gold corner flags.

Dynamo and Dash players will also participate in a number of virtual events with pediatric patients at MD Anderson throughout the month including soccer-themed bingo nights and a virtual soccer-themed art lesson, presented by MD Anderson's Arts in Medicine program.

PEDIATRIC CANCER PATIENTS FEATURED ON PLAYER JERSEYS

Jersey No. Patient Name Patient Age Dynamo Player Player Position

1 Adrian "A.J." Holmes Jr. 4 Marko Mariæ Goalkeeper

2 Lara Amer 11 Alejandro Fuenmayor Defender

3 Kinsley Curley 7 Adam Lundkvist Defender

4 Ryder Solberg 15 Zarek Valentin Defender

8 Arav Patil 10 Memo Rodriguez Midfielder

12 Brodie Pursch 10 Niko Hansen Forward

13 Daniel Trujillo 17 Christian Ramirez Forward

15 Mariana Valencia 17 Maynor Figueroa Defender

22 Esmerelda Sustaita 12 Matías Vera Midfielder

23 Leila Didic 17 Darwin Quintero Forward

24 Isaiah Ferguson 14 Darwin Cerén Midfielder

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Major League Soccer Stories from September 5, 2020


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