When the U.S. Men's National Team took the pitch at CenturyLink Field on Thursday night, captain Michael Bradley wasn't sporting the typical Copa America Centenario armband. Instead, Bradley chose to honor the victims of the tragedy in Orlando, asking USMNT equipment manager Jesse Bignami if it would be possible to have a rainbow armband created for the match. Bignami sprung into action and reached out to the Seattle Reign for help with the lettering - the band sported the team's slogan #OneNation - and to Sounders head equipment manager Nolan Myer for help creating the band itself.
"Jesse gave me a call the night before and let me know what [Michael] Bradley was looking for. I was happy to help," said Nolan. "I thought it was a great idea. I had just ordered the one we are going to be using [at the June 25 Pride match] just a few days earlier."
Myer quickly reached out to a connection in the Seattle community. He collaborated with STT-Sports Lettering Co. in 2015 and they helped to create a special armband for Sounders captain Brad Evans who wore one similar to Bradley’s in the Sounders' inaugural Pride Match.
On Sunday afternoon in New Jersey, Evans wore an armband to honor the victims as the match began with a moment of silence for those affected by the tragedy in Orlando.
Read more about Bradley's decision to wear the armband and how it came together on USsoccer.com.
