The Wait Is Over

Making A Statement

Jenn: The Boston Breakers are represented by midfielder Samantha Mewis (13), defender Abby Dahlkemper (5), goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe (16), and forward Kyah Simon (14).

At Cathedral Station, Yael notices Steph sporting 16 and gets a smile on her face, as does Rose, who believes that it refers to her.

Jenn: Next are the Chicago Red Stars. Forward Stephanie McCaffrey (19), midfielder Kristie Mewis (9), forward Sofia Huerta (10), and midfielder Vanessa DiBernardo (11).

Both couples walk across the stage holding hands with their partners to another set of cheers.

Jenn: The final team in attendance tonight are the North Carolina Courage. Defender Taylor Smith (15) and goalkeeper Sammy Jo Prudhomme (0).

In Houston, Katelyn Rowland cries tears of joy seeing her girlfriend wearing her number. Back in Portland, Jaelene blushes after seeing Taylor on the screen. At another table, Kelsey Wys, Kassey Kallman, and Tori Huster are talking about their situation.

Kelsey: Has anything been decided between the two of you about whether we're going to be a triad or not?

Tori: We haven't discussed it, but I brought some gifts that might indicate my feelings on the subject.

Tori pulls three Storm replica jerseys from a bag, one numbered 24, one numbered 29, and one numbered 41. She keeps the first one, hands the second one to Kelsey and the third to Kassey.

Kelsey: You bought jerseys for the three of us? What's with the numbers? None of us wear any of them.

Tori: 29 is 23 + 6, so yours is a shout-out to Kassey and I. Kassey's 41 is a combination of 18 and 23, and the 24 on mine is the sum of 18 and 6, for the two of you.

Kelsey: Clever.

Kassey: I know I haven't given you an answer yet, Tori, but with Jim's firing today and what you did in making public how you feel about me and Kelsey, I'm willing to give this three-way relationship a try.

The three Spirit players put on their jerseys and hold hands with each other, doing in public what is allowable in sealing their commitment.

Jenn: Please welcome Atlanta Storm Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra.

The fans give Bocanegra a smattering of boos amidst mostly supportive acknowledgment.

Carlos: Thank you, Jenn. When Kelley O'Hara retired from professional soccer and the Storm to start a family, certain members of the Atlanta community felt that they had a right to judge her decision. Following a couple of days of ranting and raving at us in the front office, these individuals did the unthinkable and went to their home, hoping to confront her and her wife. Finding no satisfaction in that, they crossed state lines in a search for the pair, ultimately resulting in injuries to both Kelley and Morgan. As an organization, we are open and affirming of our players and their decisions. May I have all the Storm players and staff join me on stage?

The rest of the Storm players as well as the coaching and training staff ascend the stairs and gather around Carlos.

Carlos: Tonight's game represents our organization taking a stand FOR our players and for ALL the players in the league to be who they are and to love who they want. The jerseys being worn by the Storm tonight will be auctioned off after the game, with the proceeds going to Athlete Ally chapters at a number of Atlanta-area colleges. Stay in your seats at halftime, because NWSL Commissioner Amanda Duffy will be making a special announcement concerning the 2023 season and a special event coming to Atlanta.