The Knicks’ NBA playoff opener isn’t the only local tilt against Boston today. The Red Bulls are hosting the New England Revolution at 7 p.m., and both the team and its supporters plan a show of support for the people of Beantown, who’ve suffered in the wake of the marathon bombing and the manhunt that culminated last night in Watertown.
The Red Bulls will have a Moment of Reflection prior to the National Anthem for tonight’s 7 p.m. game. The team will also donate its total net revenues from merchandise sales from today’s game to The One Fund Boston (OneFundBoston.org).
“It’s very reminiscent of 9/11, in the sense that 9/11, the world was – everybody was a New Yorker. Now, after this happened, everybody’s from Boston. It’s true said coach Mike Petke, a Long Islander who has very clear memories of 9/11. “I expect that when they come here and the starting lineups are announced, they’re out on the field, that we’re going to give their players a nice round of applause.’’
Boston was locked down during a huge manhunt that ended with last night’s capture of the second bombing suspect, 19-year-old Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.
The South Ward – the Empire Supporters, flanked on each side by the Garden State Ultras and Viking Army – displayed a banner in support of Boston during Wednesday’s game, and they’ll march into Red Bull Arena alongside the Revs fans displaying the same banner again tonight.
“I don’t actually know what they’re going through in terms of feeling; but our thoughts are with them, especially playing against New England on the weekend and what already they have to go through with Kevin Alston,’’ said Thierry Henry. “It wasn’t an easy time for them and everyone in Boston, but it’s going to be emotional. Just have to stick together I guess and pray for everyone in Boston.’’