The most powerful moment of the first match of the MLS is Back tournament came before the first whistle.
Members of the Black Players for Change coalition lined the field, holding their fists aloft in solidarity. At midfield, Orlando City and Inter Miami took a knee. The silence weighed heavy at ESPN Wide World of Sports, centering the night around the movement that Black players hope to prioritize throughout the tournament.
The moment struck a chord throughout the Black players on the Orlando City roster. Midfielder Júnior Urso shook while holding back tears.
Despite the overwhelming emotion, striker Tesho Akindele said the statement gave him hope for the future for Black players in the league.