After a heartbreaking 5-1 loss at the hands of Colombia on Saturday, the United States men’s national team returns to the field for a duel with another world soccer superpower. The Stars and Stripes will face Brazil in the Americans’ last preparation match before the start of the 2024 Copa América, which will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Gregg Berhalter’s side will be looking for a much better performance against the Selecao when the two teams take the field at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.
However, regardless of what happens, the match promises to be memorable, not only because it will see American standouts like Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie try their luck against the best in the world, but also because it offers the USMNT an opportunity. in honor of the 49 lives lost in the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando.
Here’s what you need to know about the USMNT Pride jerseys.
USMNT Pride T-shirts, Explained
The United States’ confrontation with Brazil takes place on June 12, eight years after the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, when a man killed 49 people and injured 53 more at an Orlando gay nightclub. Ninety percent of the victims were of Latino descent.
The attack shook Orlando’s gay community to its core. Eight years later, American soccer (both men’s and women’s) is honoring the loss of life that took place, all against the backdrop of Pride month, when the LGBTQ+ experience reaches global consciousness.
“Orlando is a city that strives to be inclusive and welcoming to all people,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “US Soccer’s commitment to celebrating and supporting the LGBTQ+ community aligns perfectly with our collective values. We appreciate the national team’s continued commitment to the Orlando community and look forward to welcoming fans to what promises to be an unforgettable event.” “.
The commitment to inclusion from @USMNTwho plays against Brazil on Wednesday in @CWStadio, is especially appreciated this week. Eight years after the Pulse tragedy, Orlando continues to honor the 49 lives lost through unity and work to ensure our community is welcoming to all. pic.twitter.com/AHwtsCwIKc
— Mayor Buddy Dyer (@orlandomayor) June 10, 2024
The t-shirts are scribbled in colors. It features the usual red, white and blue colors that have been affiliated with the USMNT uniform. However, the numbers that make up the back of the American’s jerseys will feature the rainbow flag.
The United States Soccer Federation will also auction signed and issued jerseys from Wednesday’s game. Proceeds will go to the You Can Play Project, an organization created to ensure equality, respect and safety for all athletes, coaches and fans.
