The Major League Soccer Players Union said it is "extremely disappointed" by the executive order signed by President Donald Trump that temporarily bans entry to the U.S. of all refugees and most visitors from seven majority Muslim countries.
Bob Foose, the MLSPU's executive director, issued a statement that read in part: "We are deeply concerned, both specifically for our players who may be impacted, and more broadly for all people who will suffer as a result of the travel ban implemented on Friday.
"Details on the practical impact of the ban are still emerging, and we are still sorting through the potential impact on our players and their families. We are extremely disappointed by the ban and feel strongly that it runs counter to the values of inclusiveness that define us as a nation."
The travel ban has sparked protests throughout the country and criticism from some governments around the world. That criticism was echoed by several U.S. national team players, including captain Michael Bradley.
Prior to Sunday's 0-0 draw with Serbia, Bradley took to his Instagram account to say that he was "sad and embarrassed" by the president's action.
Bradley wrote: "When Trump was elected, I only hoped that the President Trump would be different from the campaigner Trump [and] that the xenophobic, misogynistic and narcissistic rhetoric would be replaced by a more humble and measured approach to leading our country. I was wrong. The Muslim ban is just the latest example of someone who couldn't be more out of touch with our country."
Foose added that he was "very proud" of Bradley's statement
"It is our deepest hope that this type of strong and steady leadership will help to guide us through these difficult times," he said.
Bradley's sentiments were echoed by other U.S. teammates, including Sacha Kljestan, whose father sneaked into the U.S. fleeing his native Yugoslavia.
"I agree 100 percent with what Michael said," said Kljestan after the match. "I think he took a strong stand and the right stand."
He later added, "Even today, I play against Serbia, the country of my father, who came to the U.S. illegally himself and built himself a life here. America is the land of opportunity, and I don't think we're the type of country that should shut our borders to anybody. I think we should welcome everybody here to our soil to live the American dream."