Watch now:
NC Courage vs. Portland Thorns Postgame: How NWSL’s return compared to European football
(0:40)
The 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup started with a strong declaration of unity and equality. When the North Carolina Courage and Portland Thorns kicked off the action in Utah, marking the return of professional team sports in the United States, players knelt during the national anthem to protest against racial injustice, police brutality, and systemic racism. against blacks. and people of color in America while wearing “Black Lives Matter” shirts over their shirts.
That moment continued in the second game of the day, between the Chicago Red Stars and the Washington Spirit. Players returned to wearing “Black Lives Matter” jerseys and many headlines knelt during the national anthem.
The lasting image came from Chicago native Casey Short and Red Stars captain Julie Ertz. Corto, excited for the moment, was hugged by Ertz, while both shared a powerful and emotional moment.
The actions take place after the murder of George Floyd, among many others, at the hands of police brutality. Several USWNT players and the NWSL players association have engaged in a dialogue on the best way to support black athletes as the country tries to figure out how to come together to support black communities and other marginalized citizens across the country.
Here’s what it looked like on the field in Utah for Game 1:
The NWSL has expressed its support for such an important issue, and the players are doing their part. The expectation is that other teams will do something similar as the action continues.
