American MLS player takes subtle dig at Canadian fans who booed ‘The Star-Spangled Banner

In a recent Major League Soccer (MLS) match between the Vancouver Whitecaps and the Los Angeles Galaxy, Canadian fans at Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium booed “The Star-Spangled Banner” during its pre-game performance. This incident is part of a broader trend where Canadian sports fans express discontent during the U.S. national anthem, reflecting current political tensions between the two nations.

The match concluded with a 2-1 victory for the Whitecaps. Notably, American forward Brian White scored the decisive goal. After the game, White subtly addressed the earlier booing, stating, “I think we let our play do the talking tonight.” His comment was perceived as a measured response to the crowd’s earlier reaction to the anthem.

The booing of national anthems has become more frequent in recent times, often linked to political disagreements. For instance, during the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey tournament in Montreal last month, Canadian fans booed the U.S. anthem, possibly in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs and remarks about Canada. In retaliation, some American fans in Boston booed “O Canada” during subsequent games.

Such incidents highlight how political tensions can spill over into the sports arena, affecting the atmosphere of international competitions. While athletes like Brian White aim to focus on their performance, external factors continue to influence the dynamics between teams and their supporters.