USWNT teammates and NWSL stars Casey Short and Julie Ertz shared an emotional moment before Saturday's match between the Chicago Red Stars and Washington Spirit. Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

NWSL's Casey Short, Julie Ertz share emotional moment while kneeling during national anthem

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 6/28/20

USWNT and NWSL stars Casey Short and Julie Ertz shared a powerful, emotional moment before Saturday's match between the Chicago Red Stars and Washington Spirit.

Both were among Red Stars and Spirit players kneeling during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police brutality. Short and Ertz embraced each other while on their knees as Short began to cry during one of the most powerful moments in the history of the NWSL.

A powerful, emotional moment between Red Stars teammates Julie Ertz and Casey Short during National Anthem to open their #NWSLChallengeCup @cbschicago pic.twitter.com/KqjHGossDL
— Krista Ruch (@KristaCBS2) June 28, 2020

This moment and this movement means everything to our players.#BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/g0BOzN9hoF
— NWSL (@NWSL) June 28, 2020

Kneeling during the national anthem has been a way to honor the Black Lives Matter movement, and the gesture has become even more common following the death of George Floyd.

The 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup began with a strong statement for unity and equality as all North Carolina Courage and Portland Thorns players took a knee for the national anthem in the leagues opening match.

The NWSL has been vocal in supporting the very important issue, and the players are doing their part. Other teams are expected to do something similar as games continue on Tuesday.

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