The pair came forward with allegations of sexual coercion and abuse against former coach Paul Riley last week.

The on-pitch shows of solidarity took place in the fixtures between Gotham FC and the Washington Spirit and North Carolina Courage versus Racing Louisville.

The games were stopped after six minutes to mark the six years that it took for the players' complaints against Riley to be heard.

These matches were the first played in the NWSL since The Athletic published a story detailing the allegations against Riley, who has since been fired by the Courage.

Games scheduled for last weekend were called off.

"Tonight, we reclaim our place on the field, because we will not let our joy be taken from us," the NWSL Players' Association said in a statement.

"But this is not business as usual."

The owner of the Courage, Steve Malik, issued a statement apologising for the franchise's "failure" to create an environment where players felt safe in coming forward.

The sandal also led to NWSL commissioner Lisa Baird, the former chief marketing officer at the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, handing in her resignation.

It was the latest in a string of safeguarding scandals involving the NWSL.

Last month, Washington Spirit coach Richie Burke was sacked for violations of the NWSL's anti-harassment policy and causing four players to leave the club.

OL Reign coach Farid Benstiti was asked to step down in July after he allegedly made inappropriate comments during training.

Racing Louisville coach Christy Holly was fired last month "for cause" but for reasons that have not been made public, and Gotham FC general manager Alyse LaHue was also dismissed for violating the league's anti-harassment policy.