NWSL players pause games, recognize 2 who alleged sexual harassment

Teams from respective National Women's Soccer League paused successful the sixth infinitesimal of their games connected Wednesday to amusement enactment for those who've travel guardant who's alleged intersexual harassment against a erstwhile coach.

During the lucifer betwixt Gotham FC and the Washington Spirit successful Philadelphia and betwixt the North Carolina Courage and Racing Louisville successful Cary, North Carolina.

"Tonight, we reclaim our spot connected the tract due to the fact that we volition not fto our joyousness beryllium taken from us. But this is not concern arsenic usual," NWSL Player's Association said successful a statement.

Players from the teams locked arms astatine midfield to amusement solidarity to players Sinead Farrelly and Mana Shim, who've accused erstwhile North Carolina Courage manager Paul Riley of intersexual harassment and misconduct.

Riley was fired aft an nonfiction from The Athletic elaborate reports of 2 women who played for Riley alleged helium coerced them into kissing each other, and 1 alleged helium forced her into sex.

In the aftermath of the allegations, Thorns' wide manager Gavin Wilkinson was placed connected administrative leave, and Washington Spirit coach Richie Burke was fired, the Associated Press reported.