The US Men's National Soccer Team will honor the 49 victims of the 2016 Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando by wearing special pride-themed jerseys during Wednesday's friendly match against Brazil. The Pulse Nightclub tragedy, which occurred on June 12, 2016, resulted in the deaths of 49 people and injuries to 53 others, marking it as one of the deadliest anti-gay hate crimes in US history. The perpetrator, Omar Mateen, was ultimately killed by a SWAT team after pledging allegiance to the Islamic State group.
Orlando's mayor, Buddy Dyer, appreciated the US Soccer team's gesture, stating, "Orlando is a city that strives to be inclusive and welcoming to all people. US Soccer's commitment to celebrating and supporting the LGBTQ+ community aligns perfectly with our collective values." The game will be held at Orlando's Camping World Stadium and serves as a warm-up for the US team ahead of the Copa America tournament.
US captain Tyler Adams is expected to play limited minutes due to ongoing recovery from injuries, while forward Josh Sargent will miss the match entirely. The US team, which recently suffered a 5-1 defeat to Colombia, has a challenging history against Brazil, having lost 11 straight games and holding a 1-18 overall record against the Selecao.
Coach Gregg Berhalter emphasized the importance of the friendly match in preparing for the upcoming Copa America, where the US will face Bolivia, Panama, and Uruguay. Berhalter indicated that while the focus is on preparation, they aim to perform well and build momentum for future competitions.