On Oct. 6, 2017, the familiar FIFA anthem played, the sky lit up and the U.S. Men’s National Team played its first ever match at Orlando City Stadium. With every touch from Christian Pulisic, every tackle from Matt Besler, every shot from Jozy Altidore, the crowd seemed to simultaneously hold its breath yet break the sound barrier.
Or so I’ve been told. I wasn’t there.
I was actually on the road with Orlando Pride, covering the team’s NWSL playoff match in Portland. The night before the semifinal, we all flicked on our respective hotel TV screens and saw our home showcased, in all of its purple glory, as the U.