Zephyr

Tampa, FL – Spokane Zephyr FC played Tampa Bay Sun FC to a 2-2 draw on Saturday, gaining a point on the road to begin the second half of the season. 

Spokane head coach Nicole Lukic was pleased with her team’s offensive performance against Tampa Bay. 

“It is very exciting that we scored two really good goals when we weren’t playing our best football,” said Lukic. “To have Lena [Silano] and Felicia [Knox] score in back to back matches shows training is translating to game.”

Spokane forward Lena Silano kicked things off in the 15th minute, scoring an acrobatic header off a Tori Zierenburg assist to give Zephyr FC a 1-0 lead. The goal was Silano’s fifth of the season, which leads the team. 

Silano spoke on the match’s outcome and what the team will take away from the draw.

“Overall, the team put in great effort in tonight’s match and we did a good job getting a point on the road coming out of our break,” said Silano. “We will continue to take lessons from each match and grow throughout the season.” 

Tampa Bay struck back in the 27th minute, with forward Sydny Nasello knocking in a goal to equalize the match at 1-1. Sun FC defender Sabrina McNeill strung a pass to Nasello, who fired a close range shot that deflected off Spokane and into the net. 

Zephyr FC shot three shots in the first half to Tampa Bay’s six attempts, with Spokane getting all three attempts on target. Spokane forward Tori Zierenburg was proud of the team’s resilience throughout the match. 

“I’m really proud of the team for fighting for that point,” said Zierenburg. “We are taking the positives from this game and will continue to grow and get better.”

Spokane took back the lead in the 53rd minute, with Felicia Knox cashing in a deep shot off a defensive takeaway to give Zephyr FC a 2-1 lead. Knox floated her shot beautifully over Tampa Bay goalkeeper Liz Beardsley to secure her second goal of the season. 

Tampa Bay would equalize the match once more in the 70th minute, with forward Madi Parsons scoring off a wild sequence to level the match at 2-2. Nasello fired an initial shot that goalkeeper Hope Hisey deflected, with Parsons rebounding the miss and knocking it in.

Tampa Bay kept pressure on Spokane offensively, with Nasello leading multiple attacks in the closing minutes that Zephyr FC was able to heed away. Zephyr FC had its best chance at a go-ahead goal in stoppage time, with midfielder Emma Jaskaniec having multiple opportunities near the goal that was defended well by Beardslee. 

Nasello led one final push for Tampa Bay, pushing the ball into Spokane’s box before defender Haley Thomas played excellent defense to deny Nasello any opportunity for a score and ending the match at a 2-2 draw. 

Despite the draw, coach Lukic is optimistic about the team’s growing ability to close out matches with three points instead of one. 

“”We’re starting to find our belief to win games late. We’re creating more chances, even in difficult moments, and that’s a big step for us.” said Lukic. “Closing out games is about staying connected, being disciplined, and continuing to play on the front foot and this match was a step in the right direction.” 

Spokane remained in fifth place following Saturday’s match but pulled within a point of fourth place Carolina Ascent FC, who lost earlier in the night. In addition, new signee Maya Hansen made her debut for Zephyr FC in the 89th minute after signing with the club earlier this winter. 

Following Saturday’s draw, Spokane Zephyr FC will continue its six match road trip with a clash against Sporting JAX on February 11th. The match is set to kickoff at 4:00 PM PT and can be streamed on Peacock. For tickets to the spring half home opener on March 14th, visit Zephyr FC Tickets – USL Spokane.

Spokane Zephyr FC have signed midfielder Catherine “Cat” Rapp to its roster, pending league and federation approval. 

Rapp will reunite with Spokane head coach Nicole Lukic, who coached Minnesota Aurora FC during Rapp’s time with the club from 2022-24. Rapp is Aurora FC’s all-time leading goal scorer, tallying 24 goals across four seasons with Minnesota. 

During her time with Aurora FC, Rapp also played collegiately at Florida International University, where she spent three seasons and totaled eight goals from 2022-2024. She helped the Panthers win their first Conference USA Tournament title in 2024, recording four goals and two assists that season en route to earning All-CUSA Second Team honors. 

Rapp transferred to Kentucky for her senior year in 2025, scoring seven goals and adding seven assists in 21 starts. She tied for the team lead in goals while helping the Wildcats to a 12-4-5 record and an NCAA Tournament appearance. 

A Colorado native, Cat will join Zephyr FC for the Spring half of the 2025-26 season as the club pushes for its first postseason appearance in team history. She adds firepower to an attack led by forwards Ally Cook and Lena Silano, who are tied for seventh in goals scored in Super League this season with seven apiece. 

Zephyr FC head coach Nicole Lukic is excited to see what Rapp adds to the team in 2026. 

“We’re excited to welcome Cat to the club from the University of Kentucky,” said Lukic. “She brings a high level of game understanding and composure in the midfield, with the ability to influence the match on both sides of the ball. She’s dangerous going forward, reads the game exceptionally well, and adds an often undervalued defensive edge that aligns perfectly with the way we want to play.”

Cat Rapp will make her debut for Zephyr FC on January 31st when Spokane faces Tampa Bay Sun FC on the road. Kickoff is set for 4:30 PM PT and the match can be streamed on Peacock. For tickets to Zephyr FC’s 2026 Spring home opening match on March 14th, visit Zephyr FC Single Match Tickets – USL Spokane.

Spokane Zephyr FC have signed forward Maya Hansen to its roster for the remainder of the season, pending league and federation approval. 

Hansen currently plays for Fimleikafélag Hafnarfjarðar, a professional women’s team in Iceland. FH plays in the country’s top-tier women’s league, Besta deild kevenna, which translates to “women’s best division.” 

Before joining FH, Hansen was a star attacker at the collegiate level, most notably playing for South Dakota State from 2019-2023. The former Jackrabbit holds the school record in both goals (44) and points (107) and helped lead them to two conference championships and a pair of NCAA Tournament berths. 

Hansen’s elite play earned her 2019 Summit League Freshman of the year and 2022 Offensive Player of the Year honors. After graduating from South Dakota State, Hansen played for Iowa University for one season as a graduate student. As a Hawkeye, the Minnesota native scored five goals and was named the Team’s Co-Offensive Player of the Year.

Spokane will add Hansen to a talented group that is playing for its first playoff appearance in club history. The esteemed goal scorer will join an impressive group of attackers that include Lena Silano and Ally Cook, who leads the club in goals this season with four. 

Zephyr FC head coach Nicole Lukic is excited to add Hansen to the roster and see the impact she makes. 

“She brings professional experience and a proven track record of scoring goals at both the collegiate and professional levels,” said Lukic. “She adds a competitive edge, composure and attacking instinct that will elevate our front line. We’re excited about the versatility, mentality and firepower she brings to our attack and we can’t wait to see the impact she’ll make on the pitch.”

Hansen and Zephyr FC will close out the year with a road match against Fort Lauderdale United FC on December 20th, 2025. Kickoff is set for 4:30 PM PT and the match can be streamed on peacock. For tickets to Zephyr FC’s 2026 Spring home opening match on March 14th, visit Zephyr FC Single Match Tickets – USL Spokane.

Davie, FL – Zephyr FC defeated Fort Lauderdale United FC 3-1 on Saturday to earn three points and rise to fifth in Gainbridge Super League standings. 

Spokane head coach Nicole Lukic spoke on the team’s offensive success following the match. 

“Our execution around the box was the biggest difference tonight. We were more decisive with our final actions and did a better job turning good moments into goals,” said Lukic. “Most importantly, the group played with a lot of heart and belief, and that showed in how committed we were to attacking together.” 

Spokane forward Cam Tucker got the offense firing early, scoring a 5th minute goal to give Zephyr FC a 1-0 lead. Tucker caught goalkeeper Bella Hara out of position, firing a shot into the back right of the net that was assisted by Lena Silano. The goal was Tucker’s first with Zephyr FC since signing with the club last summer. 

“So proud of this team for closing out 2025 with a win. We’ve put in an incredible amount of work, and it’s rewarding to see it pay off,” said Tucker. “Excited to carry this momentum into the second half of the season.”

Minutes later, Spokane midfielder Sophie Braun found herself open at the top of the box, attempting a shot in the 16th minute that barely missed to the right. Later in the half, Silano stole a pass from Fort Lauderdale defender Ella Simpson and got herself a one on one opportunity against Hara, pushing a close range shot wide left.

Zephyr FC would not be denied a second goal, with midfielder Felicia Knox scoring in the 44th minute to give Spokane a commanding 2-0 lead. Knox fired a one legged goal past Hara’s outstretched arms and into the back right of the net. The goal was Knox’s first with Spokane since signing with the club in September. 

“I’m so excited to end the year with a win. I think the fans could really see the work we’ve been putting in for themselves tonight,” said Knox. “The mid-season break will be great to get rested and then I look forward to getting back at it for the second half of the season.”

Spokane limited the offensive production from Fort Lauderdale, who have two players in the top 10 in goals scored this season with Kelli Van Treeck and Kiara Locklear both having four entering the match. Zephyr FC allowed just one shot in the first half to enter halftime up 2-0. 

Fort Lauderdale forward Jasmine Hamid gave her club a spark off the bench in the second half, quickly getting inside the box for a shot in the 52nd minute that was off target. Stella Nyamekye had a free kick just outside the box in the 60th minute for United FC that was blocked by Spokane’s defensive wall. 

Zephyr FC continued its offensive success, with Silano scoring herself a goal in the 67th minute to extend Spokane’s lead to 3-0. Sophie Braun fired a corner kick that got past multiple players before finding Silano near the net, who chipped it in to score her fourth goal of the season. 

Locklear found Fort Lauderdale’s first goal in the 74th minute, getting behind Spokane’s backline and knocking in a close range goal to bring the match to a 3-1 score. The goal was Locklear’s fifth of the season, which is the sixth most among all Super League players this season. 

Spokane held strong defensively after Locklear’s goal despite being down a player for much of the second half, as defender Ginger Fontenot was issued her second yellow card in the 69th minute that took her out of the match. 

The win was Zephyr FC’s first since October 12th, with the club now sitting in fifth place at 4-6-6 and two points behind the playoff line. The match was also Spokane’s first win against Fort Lauderdale in club history. 

Coach Lukic hopes to bring Saturday’s momentum into the new year when Spokane begins its Spring season on January 31st. 

“Carrying this intensity, clarity in our attacking principles and the habits we’ve built so far into the new year will be crucial for our continued growth,” said Lukic. Following Saturday’s win, Spokane Zephyr FC will have nearly six weeks off before it plays its first match of 2026 against Tampa Bay Sun FC on January 31st in Tampa Bay. The match is set to kickoff at 4:30 PM PT and can be streamed on Peacock. For tickets to the next home match on March 14th, visit Zephyr FC Tickets – USL Spokane

Spokane Zephyr FC have signed 17-year-old goalkeeper Aliana “Al” Vakaloloma to its roster for the remainder of the 2025-2026 season, pending league and federation approval. 

The signing makes her the youngest player on the roster and Zephyr FC’s first signed U-18 Academy Player, marking a historic milestone in the team’s history. Vakaloloma has built herself an impressive soccer resume, most notably playing in last year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. Representing Fiji, Vakaloloma was the tournament’s youngest player. 

In addition to representing her country, Vakaloloma has a strong connection to Spokane. Al attends Ridgeline High School, one of seventeen schools that compete in the Greater Spokane League. She played for Ridgeline’s 2024 girls varsity soccer team, helping them capture the District six 3A title en route to the state tournament. 

Vakaloloma also plays for the Spokane Shadow 08 Girls Academy, a local youth developmental program for soccer players. As a member of the GA, Al earned herself a spot on the Girls Academy Talent ID Conference event in 2023, joining 23 other talented players. 

Al has been training with Zephyr FC all season and will officially join a squad that is aiming for its first postseason appearance in club history. She will round out a solid goalkeeping group that includes Hailey Coll and reigning Super League goalkeeper of the Year Hope Hisey. 

Vakaloloma is excited to grow her professional career with Zephyr FC and the opportunities to improve going forward. 

“I’m looking forward to the level of competition this season and the opportunity to continue developing in a professional environment that challenges me every day,” said Vakaloloma. “The culture at Zephyr FC stood out to me right away. The coaches, team and staff made me feel welcomed and supported from the start, which made this the right place for my growth as a player.”

Zephyr FC head coach Nicole Lukic deemed Vakaloloma’s signing as a special moment for the club and is excited to welcome her to the squad. 

“Signing Aliana to her first academy professional contract is a historic milestone- not only because she becomes the youngest player to ever sign with our women’s team, but because she is the first homegrown player to make this leap,” said Lukic. “She represents the future of our club in every way: talent, character and belief in our pathway.”

Vakaloloma and Spokane will close out the year with a road match against Fort Lauderdale United FC on December 20th, 2025. Kickoff is set for 4:30 PM PT and the match can be streamed on peacock. For tickets to Zephyr FC’s 2026 Spring home opening match on March 14th, visit Zephyr FC Single Match Tickets – USL Spokane.

Lexington, KY – Spokane Zephyr FC played Lexington SC to a 1-1 draw on Saturday, breaking its four match losing streak and earning one point on the road. 

Spokane head coach Nicole Lukic reflected on the draw following the match. 

“I was really pleased with the intent and restlessness our attack showed today. We kept stretching the back line, creating overloads and finding pockets where we could break pressure,” said Lukic. “The foundation is there and if we keep committing to that, more goals will follow.”

Zephyr FC was aggressive offensively against Lexington SC’s top rated defense, attempting eight shots and getting three on target in the first half. Lexington entered the match having conceded the least goals in Super League this season, only allowing nine through its first 12 matches. 

Midfielder Emma Jaskaniec led the charge for Spokane, attempting four shots in the first 45 minutes, getting two on goal. Her best opportunity came in the 32nd minute when she attempted a header inside the box that sailed too strong over the goalpost. 

Despite the draw, Jaskaniec is proud of the performance Zephyr FC had against first place Lexington SC.

“Today ended 1-1, but we earned more than a tie. We controlled possession, set the tempo and kept the pressure on all game,” said Jaskaniec. “The team’s quality and work rate were undeniable.”

Zephyr FC also held its own defensively, holding Lexington SC scoreless in the first half to force a 0-0 draw at halftime. Lexington leads the league in goals scored this season, with 24 so far. 

Spokane defender Kelsey Oyler was crucial in the backline against Lexington, denying reigning player of the year Emina Ekić any offensive opportunities.  

Oyler reflected on Spokane being able to earn a draw on the road. 

“Today was a turning point in the right direction for this group,” said Oyler. “Going forward we need to keep that fight and finish the game off strong. Proud of this team.”

Zephyr FC stayed aggressive offensively in the second half, with Silano nearly scoring an opening half goal in the 48th minute, getting a shot at the top of the box off that barely missed too high.

Jaskaniec would have her moment in the 61st minute, scoring a header goal off a beautiful crosser by Silano into the box to give Spokane a 1-0 lead over Lexington SC. The goal was Jaskaniec’s second of the season and Zephyr FC’s first since October 30th. 

Playing from behind, Lexington upped the intensity offensively to level the match, earning its first corner kick in the 65th minute that was snatched by Spokane’s star goalkeeper Hope Hisey. 

Minutes later, Zephyr FC defender Reese Tappan did an excellent job sealing off Lexington SC forward Catherine Barry from getting a shot off inside the box in the 70th minute. Barry entered the match as the league’s second highest goal scorer this season with seven. 

With its unbeaten record on the line, Lexington SC Addie McCain earned a penalty kick in the 89th minute to equalize the match at 1-1. The goal was McCain’s seventh of the season. 

No club was able to score a last minute go-ahead goal, with the match ending as a draw. Spokane and Lexington have now played each other three times this season, with each match ending in a draw. 

Coach Lukic is optimistic as Spokane continues its six match road trip in two weeks.

“Today was a great opportunity to show that we can be a top team in this league,” said Lukic. “For our last 2025 match we will look to carry this momentum forward and end with a winning result.”

Following Saturday’s draw, Spokane Zephyr FC will play its final match in 2025 against Fort Lauderdale United FC on December 20th. The match is set to kickoff at 4:30 PM PT and can be streamed on Peacock. For tickets to the next home match on March 14th, visit Zephyr FC Tickets – USL Spokane

Brooklyn, NY – Spokane Zephyr FC fell 1-0 to Brooklyn FC on Saturday morning. A late strike would be enough to secure the win for Brooklyn. This loss marks the Zephyr’s fourth straight.

Zephyr FC Head Coach Nicole Lukic reflected on the match:

“This group keeps improving every match. The resilience, the belief, the execution of our game plan—that’s the success. If we keep competing like this, the results will follow. We’re trending in the right direction.”

The first opportunity would come early for Brooklyn FC in the 2nd minute. Rebecca Cooke showed off her crafty footwork as she weaved past a Spokane defender and put a clean shot on target. Another Spokane defender was able to put herself between the ball and the net to deflect the shot attempt.

In the 24th minute, a beautiful pass from Zephyr Midfielder Aryssa Mahrt managed to get behind Brooklyn’s back line. However, Brooklyn FC Goalkeeper Breanna Norris stepped up and was able to dive on the ball just before Zephyr Defender Ginger Fontenot was able to get a shot off.

Not long after in the 29th minute, Ginger Fontenot wouldn’t be beaten to the ball, as her strike found the back of the net. Unfortunately for the Zephyr, she was whistled offside, and the score was taken back.

“We always want to come out of a road game with a better result so naturally it’s challenging, especially since it felt like a game we dominated. But I continue to be really proud of this group. We’re nudging the needle closer and closer to who we want to be. There’s so much to take away from our play today and we’ll keep pursuing excellence every time we step on the field.” said Ginger Fontenot.

Zephyr’s intense pressure would remain as they nearly scored what would have been the opening goal in the 33rd minute. The opportunity started when Zephyr Forward Cameron Tucker lofted a ball toward the left side of the penalty area that appeared to be heading out of bounds. Defender Haley Thomas was able to make a touch on the ball as she fell to the ground to keep the play alive. The ball landed right in the path of Midfielder Emma Jaskaniec who ripped a powerful shot from close range toward the near post. Breanna Norris showcased her quick reaction time as she snagged the ball as it was traveling quickly above her head for the save.

The first half would see no score despite a myriad of opportunities from both sides. Spokane held possession for 58% of the half, and were applying intense pressure.

“The pressure is exactly what we want. Turning it into goals is the next evolution for us. It’s repetition, confidence, and continuing to put our front players in positions to be dangerous. We’re close, and the goals will come” said Coach Lukic.

This pressure would continue in the second half with the Zephyr’s best chance coming early in the half in the 51st minute. Cameron Tucker approached a loose ball well outside the penalty area on the right side of the field. Tucker quickly rifled a shot toward the back post. Catching Brooklyn off guard, her shot was able to get past the defense and past the goalkeeper. Her shot however, was just a bit too high as it ricocheted off the crossbar and away from the net.

Brooklyn’s Sofia Lewis scored the lone goal of the match in the 74th minute. Receiving a pass on the left side of the field with space, Lewis wound back her left foot and fired a shot that beat reigning Gainbridge Super League Goalkeeper of the Year Hope Hisey.

Spokane was unable to generate as many chances for the remainder of the game, and ultimately couldn’t find the equalizer.

Aryssa Mahrt shared similar optimism for the future successes for Spokane Zephyr in waiting:

“The result is frustrating, and we’re not going to pretend otherwise. We have to be better in critical moments and capitalize on our opportunities. But this team cares, we’re competing every day, and we believe in what we’re building.”

Following Saturday’s match, Spokane Zephyr FC will travel to Lexington for their second outing of their six game road stretch on Saturday, December 6th. The match is set to kickoff at 11 AM PT and can be streamed on Peacock. For tickets to the next home match, visit Zephyr FC Tickets – USL Spokane

Spokane, WA – Spokane Zephyr FC sought their second win against Dallas Trinity FC this season, but came up short following a 2-0 loss on their home pitch on Saturday night. 

Spokane wasted no time putting the pressure on, as Zephyr Defender Ginger Fontenot sent a 3rd minute cross into the penalty area, forcing Dallas Goalkeeper Rylee Foster into a full-extension save. Minutes later, Zephyr Forward Lena Silano pushed the ball into the box, but the Dallas back line recovered quickly to clear the threat. 

Head Coach Nicole Lukic commented on the team’s offensive output: “Tonight, we focused on creating opportunities and saw that translate in the match with 17 recorded shots.”

Zephyr FC sustained their attack with an 11th minute strike from Forward Cameron Tucker, followed by a pair of corner kicks and a shot on goal by Midfielder Sophie Braun.

Despite this early momentum for Spokane, Dallas broke the deadlock in the 29th minute. A pinpoint cross by Defender Samar Guidry found Forward Sealey Strawn on the other end, who placed her finish into the back of the net to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage.

Zephyr Forward Cameron Tucker emphasized that the best is yet to come for this group. “Not the result we wanted tonight, but we’ll keep growing, fighting, and staying focused on our goals,” Tucker said. “So grateful for Spokane and its unwavering support as we work to become the team we know we’re capable of being.”

Spokane nearly scored the tying goal in the 38th minute after a pass inside deflected off a Dallas defender and fell to Sophie Braun, whose redirected shot struck the crossbar and was cleared out of play. Spokane earned another opportunity late in the half through a corner kick, but Dallas held firm and took the 1–0 lead into halftime.

Spokane continued to search for the equalizer, generating multiple promising chances. Lena Silano created space just outside the penalty area in the 58th minute, firing a shot that skipped just wide of the right post. Dallas answered with an opportunity of their own just three minutes later, as Midfielder Camryn Lancaster connected on a header, but it narrowly missed left. 

After 15 minutes of back-and-forth action, Zephyr Midfielder Emma Jaskaniec delivered a promising cross to Defender Charley Boone, who possessed the ball cleanly but could not finish the chance. Spokane came close to finding the equalizer they had been looking for after an 82nd minute corner kick, but the ball deflected several times inside a crowded box before lifting over the crossbar.

“Tonight wasn’t the result we wanted, but the performance was what we’ve been working toward,” Jaskaniec said. “We outplayed them for long stretches and showed real composure on the ball.”

Spokane earned a final pair of chances with a free kick in the 87th minute and a corner in the 88th, but Dallas was able to disrupt both opportunities. Despite producing more than twice as many shot attempts as Dallas, Spokane was unable to find the equalizer before Trinity FC Forward Rhea Moore sealed the victory for Dallas with a second goal coming in extra time. 

“The team is doing a lot of background work right now that isn’t showing with our results quite yet,” Coach Lukic said. “The team and I believe in what we are doing and know we are right on the edge of flipping results in future matches.”Following Saturday’s match, Spokane Zephyr FC will begin a stretch of six straight road matches, starting with Brooklyn FC on Saturday, November 22nd. The match is set to kickoff at 10 AM PT and can be streamed on Peacock. For tickets to the next home match, visit Zephyr FC Tickets – USL Spokane