Saturday marked the first MLS games following a three-week break for Copa America Centenario and all eyes were on Orlando City ahead of a home match vs. the San Jose Earthquakes. Following the largest mass shooting by an individual in United States history – 49 killed and 53 injured at the Pulse Nightclub – that rocked the entire LGBTQ community and nation, Saturday’s match was the first professional sports event to take place in the city.
Sports have the power to heal. We saw that across both the NFL and MLB following 9/11. On Saturday, and in the week leading up to kickoff, Orlando City SC helped the city of Orlando unite against hatred and come together.
We were extremely impressed with how Orlando City SC responded immediately after news of the attack started spreading. They embraced their home, their community, and their city. An open letter to the city was written. Social content took a dramatic and respectful shift. Images all became black and white with rainbow pops of color. It was a beautiful gesture and shows the respect the club has for all of those affected by the tragedy. The city of Orlando came together under #OrlandoUnited.
Orlando City Dedicates June 18 Match to #OrlandoUnited.
Full Details: https://t.co/tjSBerI60T pic.twitter.com/wes3DTACO7
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) June 14, 2016
A breakdown of Saturday’s events.#OrlandoUnited pic.twitter.com/iISauVNwo1
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) June 14, 2016
#OrlandoUnited pic.twitter.com/ajQt4CuR9J
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 17, 2016
Saturday’s jerseys have been pressed.#OrlandoUnited pic.twitter.com/kJQ7vyMuES
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) June 17, 2016
Images from Orlando City SC Facebook
Categories: Major League Soccer