Women's Soccer Stars Send Message to Fellow Christians: Love Conquers

Photo via Facebook

Team USA's Ella Masar won more than just the World Cup: she got married this week to Canada's star goalkeeper Erin McLeod, according to PinkNews.

The women competed for rival teams in world matches, but they are also teammates on the Houston Dash. And now they are partners for life.

Dressed in white, Masar wed her love in Vancouver, British Columbia this week, and posted photos on Facebook and Instagram. McLeod, wearing black, shared pictures and tweeted messages as well.

"People have been asking me how I can root for Canada when I am American, however, for me it's an easy answer," Masar wrote on Instagram. "She is my family and my family are all my reasons. For that alone I will forever be proud, support, and cheer 4 @erinmcleod1. #YAMR #itshere #WWC."

McLeod shared a picture from their wedding on Twitter, explaining that the hashtag YAMR stands for "you are my reasons:'

After the wedding, Masar thanked her well-wishers on Instagram and also addressed those who condemned the couple for being lesbians:

"Also, to the 'other' messages, thank you. Thank you for praying for me and reinforcing my own prayers because as you pray, 'Lord please help Ella, allow her to see her sin for loving that woman, for respecting her, being faithful, honoring her, etc ...' Know I am saying the same thing, 'my Heavenly Father, thank you for allowing me find my better half, for finding someone that strengthens my faith and allows me to be the person I always imagined. Thank you for teaching me what truly loving someone and others is all about, amen.'"

McLeod is agnostic, according to Masar's blog.

Masar came out in March, and wrote online about the conflict between her Christian faith and her forever love, and how "the religion I choose to live by is love:"

"I am deeply in love with Erin Katrina McLeod. Yes, I know she is a woman. Yes, I hear you, it is wrong. Yes, I know I am sinning. Yet, please tell me who can throw the first stone?"

"This is where I have found my peace. Where your words brought tears to my partner's eyes, for you to prove and share your point, my own reassured her of everything that she is to me.

"That has always been my deal with Erin - that was my word to her. That love will always win.'