After a harrowing 5-1 defeat at the hands of Colombia on Saturday, the U.S. men’s national team returns to the pitch for a duel with another world soccer superpower. The Stars and Stripes will take on Brazil in the Americans’ final tune-up game before the start of the 2024 Copa America, held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Gregg Berhalter’s side will be seeking a much-improved performance against the Selecao when the two squads take the field at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.
Regardless of what happens, however, the match promises to be a memorable one, not only because it sees American standouts like Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams, and Weston McKennie try their luck against the world’s best, but also because it offers the USMNT a chance to honor the 49 lives lost in the Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting in 2016.
Here’s what you need to know about the USMNT’s Pride jerseys.
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USMNT Pride jerseys, explained
The US’s clash with Brazil takes place on June 12, eight years to the day after the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando when a man killed 49 and wounded 53 more at a gay nightclub in Orlando. Ninety percent of the victims were of Latino descent.
The attack shook Orlando’s gay community to its core. Eight years on, the US Soccer — both the men’s and women’s sides — are honoring the loss of life that took place, all under the backdrop of Pride month when the LGBTQ+ experience reaches the global consciousness.
“Orlando is a city that strives to be inclusive and welcoming to all people,” Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said. “U.S. Soccer’s commitment to celebrating and supporting the LGBTQ+ community aligns perfectly with our collective values. We appreciate the national team’s continued engagement with the Orlando community and look forward to welcoming fans to what promises to be an unforgettable event.”
The commitment to inclusion from @USMNT, who plays Brazil Wednesday at @CWStadium, is especially appreciated this week. Eight years after the Pulse tragedy, Orlando continues to honor the 49 lives taken through unity and by working to ensure our community is welcoming to all. pic.twitter.com/AHwtsCwIKc
— Mayor Buddy Dyer (@orlandomayor) June 10, 2024
The jerseys are scrawled with color. It features the usual red, white, and blue that has come to be affiliated with the USMNT’s uniform. However, the numbers that make up the back of the American’s jerseys will feature the rainbow flag.
Signed, game-issued game-issued jerseys from Wednesday’s match will also be auctioned off by the U.S. Soccer Federation. Proceeds will go toward the You Can Play Project, an organization created to ensure equality, respect, and safety for all athletes, coaches, and fans.
