More than just a game

Sometimes, a soccer game isn't just a soccer game.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Under-17 Women's National Team faced off against Haiti in the opening match of the CONCACAF U-17 Women's Championship. While the game was one-sided, the moment of the match was truly something to behold.

It wasn't the first goal, which the U.S. team netted after only 92 seconds. The moment of the match was not one of the two assists or four goals put away by American Lindsey Horan. In fact, it wasn't any of the nine goals that the U.S scored on their way to a shutout.

The moment of the match was so much more meaningful.

After the game, Haitian goalkeeper Alexandra Coby, weighed down by the events of the last two months in her home country and by the disappointment stemming from a hard-fought loss, slumped to the turf in tears.

When U.S. Goalkeeper Bryane Heaberlin saw this scene, she felt compelled to go over and comfort Coby. Heaberlin embraced the Haitian goalie and held on tightly.

Photo courtesy of CONCACAF

"I saw her crying and that was pretty hard for me to see," said Heaberlin. "She's a 'keeper and we have that bond. I knew that she had probably lost people close to her, and when she goes home she might not have anywhere to go. I gave her a big hug and told her she did great. She came to compete in this tournament despite all that she's been through and I have tremendous respect for her."

It didn't just stop there. The entire U.S. U-17 Women's squad joined Cody and Heaberlin in an embrace that lasted for more than a minute and a half.

When it was over, Coby wasn't the only one crying; the entire U.S. team left the field in tears.

"It just put everything into perspective," said U.S. defender Olivia Brannon, who played the 90 minutes at right back. "It makes you realize what is truly important, your family, having a roof over your head, and having food on the table. We take all those things for granted. I had my mom in the stands cheering for me tonight. Some of these girls might never have that again."

Sometimes, a soccer game isn't just a soccer game.

To donate to the continued relief efforts in Haiti, please visit the American Red Cross website.