Pro Soccer Player Responds to Antigay Slur By Winning Game

Moments after Portland Timbers midfielder Will Johnson was called a homophobic slur by San Jose Earthquakes forward Alan Gordon, Johnson responded by scoring the game-winning goal.

The point ended a scoreless deadlock, giving the Timbers a 1-0 victory Sunday night over the Earthquakes.

According to the Huffington Post, Gordon did not speak to reporters after the match, but did release a statement through the team.

"I would like to sincerely apologize to everyone who watched tonight's match on NBC Sports Network. The language I used came during a heated moment and does not reflect my feelings toward the gay and lesbian community. I made a mistake and I accept full responsibility for my actions," the statement read.

However, Johnson preferred to allow his game-winning goal speak for him and remained relatively silent on the issue of Gordon's behavior. "I think it's probably better that I don't comment on that," he said. "It's a very sensitive matter. I'd prefer the league go through with their protocol."

Gordon's use of an antigay slur during a heated moment of Sunday's game highlights the homophobic environment LGBT athletes currently endure in professional sports--a point made by openly gay soccer player Robbie Rogers, whose interview with ABC News discussing being a gay professional athlete aired on the same night.

Watch Johnson's game-winning goal and see a clip from the Rogers interview as well in the videos below.