The Wait Is Over

Making A Statement

Following the NWSL Week in Review, Lifetime goes to Atlanta for pre-game of the Philadelphia Charge/Atlanta Storm match. All participants in the ceremony are lined up in the tunnel in their Storm third kit replicas, with the Storm and Charge players and staff leading the way.

Jenn Hildreth: Welcome to Lifetime's coverage of the NWSL. From Atlanta Storm Park, a very special night for the community and women's soccer as a whole as Morgan Brian plays before the home fans for the first time since the brutal attack on her and her wife Kelley O'Hara on March 4th. Standing beside me right now are the organizers of Love 4 All, Boston Breakers midfielder Samantha Mewis and Atlanta Storm defender Emily Sonnett.

The 13,846 fans on hand tonight give the two players a standing ovation. Jenn hands the microphone over to Sam.

Sam Mewis: Thank you, Jenn. When I was first told of Morgan and Kelley's ordeal, I felt like we as a women's soccer community needed to do something to combat the hatred and homophobia which runs rampant on the edges of our sport. As luck would have it, all three teams in the Southeast had home matches this weekend, with the Pride playing last night, the Storm tonight, and the Courage tomorrow afternoon.  On top of that, the prognosis on Morgan's injuries indicated that her first match at home after being activated from the 45-day injured list would be their fixture against Philadelphia this weekend. Put it all together and you have Love 4 All, our way of standing up for ourselves and those we love.

Players and coaches from other NWSL teams are gathered in several places around the country. A number of the Spirit players are together at Sullivan's Gulch Bar and Grill in Portland, trying to shake off the bad feelings from earlier in the day. In Boston, the Breakers are hosting a viewing party at Cathedral Station. In Houston, the Dash and Olympias are watching the pre-game from inside their locker rooms at BBVA Compass Stadium, as is the case in Kansas City at Swope Soccer Park for the Blues and Seattle. In Cary, the Red Stars and Courage are together at the Carolina Ale House, while in Orlando, the Pride are hosting a viewing party in the West Club at Orlando City Stadium.

Jenn: We start off tonight's festivities with the combatants in this evening's NWSL match, the Atlanta Storm and the Philadelphia Charge.

Both teams come walking out onto the field, with Morgan Brian flanked by Steph Labbe and Ashlyn Harris.

Jenn: Following them are players from the Orlando Pride, Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, and North Carolina Courage.

The crowd cheers as the remaining players walk out of the tunnel and over to the temporary stage at midfield.

Jenn: We will start the introductions with the player for whom this night is dedicated, Atlanta Storm captain Morgan Brian.

Morgan walks up the stairs and across the stage to the far end, sporting her replica jersey with the number 19 on the back, in honor of Kelley.

Jenn: Next is Storm defender Emily Sonnett (9). Following her are midfielder Mana Shim (32, for Natasha Kai), forward Christen Press (8), goalkeeper EJ Proctor (15), and midfielder Sarah Troccoli (30).

The fans give the players a rousing round of applause.

Jenn: From the Charge, goalkeeper DiDi Haracic (4), defender Caprice Dydasco (17), forward Cali Farquharson (3), defender Julie Johnston Ertz (23), head coach Carli Lloyd (21), and assistant coach Erin McLeod (30).

In Portland, Mal and Jaelene point out DiDi to Shelina, which causes the captain to shed a couple of tears in appreciation for her girlfriend proclaiming her love for her. Mal also cheers for Julie coming out wearing Christen's number.

Jenn: The next team up is the Orlando Pride. Forward Lindsey Horan (16), defender Alanna Kennedy (17), and goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris (11).

Kelley, Ali (with Michael), and Ella (with Teri) are seated together in the stands, sporting their wives' numbers on their jerseys (6, 24, and 1, respectively).