Zephyr

By Kaya Crawford, Gonzaga University ’26

Spokane Zephyr FC played their first away match of the season Sunday afternoon in a rematch with DC Power FC that ended in a 2-2 draw at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. 

Zephyr overcame physical play and being down twice in the match to collect one point and remain undefeated against DC Power.

“I am proud of the players for fighting through adversity and responding on the road,” head coach Jo Johnson said. “When we settled in and started to play our way, good things happened. We are learning each week and will take the lessons learned this afternoon forward as we continue to build this organization.”

Taylor Aylmer returned to the starting lineup for the first time since Spokane’s inaugural match after battling back from injury. She played full minutes and scored the first goal for Spokane. 

Spokane’s first chance came just two minutes into the match as the ball was cleared up to McKenzie Weinert who dribbled to the touchline where it was cleared out for a corner kick. The corner kick resulted in three scoring chances, but two were deflected off the post while the third was sent wide, giving DC a goal kick.

In the sixth minute, Haley Thomas fouled a DC attacker in the box resulting in a penalty. Madison Wolfbauer was able to convert the penalty off a hard strike that Izzy Nino got her hands on but was unable to keep from the back of the net. 

Spokane equalized in the 34th minute when Emina Ekić sent the ball in off a corner kick to find Aylmer on the near post who headed the ball into the back of the net. 

A handball in the 41st minute gave DC another penalty kick that Wolfbauer put into the back of the net off a hard strike, giving DC a 2-1 lead going into halftime. 

Both teams had nine shots in the first half, with Spokane putting nine on target.  

DC came out aggressive in the second half. Nino had a diving save early in the half after DC was awarded a free kick just outside the box.

Spokane had many chances for a goal but was unable to find the back of the net until a cross from Weinert in the 69th minute deflected off Amber Diorio and into the net for an own goal, tying the match 2-2. 

“Today was a good test for us on the road, we showed up as a team to battle back from a goal down twice and walk away with a point,” Aylmer said. “Really proud of the team’s attitude and effort today.”

In the 85th minute, Ekić was taken down outside the box, giving Spokane an opportunity. Marley Canales sent the shot in but it was deflected out by DC keeper Morgan Aquino. 

“It was a physical game and we did a good job of finding a way to walk away with a point in our first road match,” Weinert said. 

Spokane now sits fifth in the USL Super League standings with a 1-1-3 record. DC continues to search for their first win and are seventh in the standings with a record of 0-3-2.

Zephyr will return home to ONE Spokane Stadium for a first meeting with Dallas Trinity FC at 2 p.m. PT Oct. 6. The match honors Breast Cancer Awareness Day and will have the theme “Brave.”

Secure your tickets now!

By Rachel Walker, Gonzaga ‘27

After securing their first win of the season against DC Power FC, Spokane Zephyr FC will head to Audi Field in Washington, D.C. for their first road game on Sunday – a rematch against the Power on their home turf. 

Any nerves Zephyr players and coaches might feel about their first road trip in the USL Super League season could be mitigated by one fact: They are familiar with their opponent.

Meeting for the first time last weekend, both teams entered the match looking to secure their first win. 

The Zephyr claimed the franchise’s first-ever victory on Sept. 22 in a 1-0 home win. Haley Thomas and Emma Jaskaniec made their Zephyr debut, and both proved pivotal to Zephyr’s success. In the 17th minute, Jaskaniec was fouled, leading to a free kick taken by Sarah Clark. Clark hooked the kick toward the goal, allowing for Thomas to make a diving header for her first goal of the season. 

Zephyr went into the second half with a lead for the third time this season. DC’s aggressiveness in the second half earned Zephyr a total of 10 corner kicks and four shots on goal. Keeper Izzy Nino recorded one save and earned her first clean sheet of the season. 

Zephyr is currently tied for third in USL Super League standings with a 1-1-2 record. They hope to come out of their first road trip with three more points, which could propel them into second place. 

DC (0-3-2) is still in search of their first win as they host Zephyr. DC has only netted one goal in five matches so far.

Last weekend, despite maintaining  possession for a little over half the game, their only shot on goal occurred in the middle of the half when Alex Kirnos drew Nino out of the goal with a pass to Jorian Baucom. Thomas was able to clear the ball, preventing the goal. DC received four yellow cards during the match, which proved costly. DC remains in seventh place in Super League standings. 

Kickoff will be 11 a.m. PDT Sunday, Sept. 29 and the match will be streamed on Peacock TV. Zephyr will return home to face Dallas Trinity on Oct. 6 at 2 p.m. – a match that is themed “Brave” for Breast Cancer Awareness Day. The first 1,000 fans will receive Zephyr Breast Cancer Awareness ribbons, and fans have the opportunity to leave a message on a mural dedicated to cancer survivors that will be donated to a local charity. Finally, it’s also GU Alumni and Friends Day with Spike leading the Rumble. 

Secure tickets to our next home match!

By Kaya Crawford, Gonzaga University ‘26

Spokane Zephyr FC earned the club’s first win in history with a 1-0 victory over DC Power FC at ONE Spokane Stadium Sunday afternoon.

“It was unbelievable,” Emma Jaskaniec said. “To get the first win in Zephyr history is nothing short of amazing.”

This was the first time the sides met and both were looking for their first win entering the match.

Haley Thomas earned her first start, replacing Sydney Cummings on the backline. Emma Jaskaniec also made her first start for Zephyr.

“Getting my first start as a professional is nothing short of amazing,” Jaskaniec said. “It’s really a dream come true. Like I’ve dreamed about this day since I was three years old. So to actually have it happen was unbelievable.”

Zephyr gained control of the game early in the first half. Their first chance came six minutes in as Natalie Viggiano found space in the top left corner of the box to shoot, but the shot deflected off her teammate Sophia Braun.

Spokane’s breakthrough moment came off a set piece in the 18th minute after Jaskeniec was taken down in the offensive half. Sarah Clark sent the ball across the penalty box and found Thomas who buried the ball in the back of the net off a diving header to put Zephyr ahead 1-0.

“I honestly could not have asked for better coaches and a better team to do this with,” Thomas said. “I feel like everyone is supporting me the whole way, making me feel as comfortable as I can. And I’m honestly just so excited for the next game already.”

DC had a breakaway moment in the middle of the half as a through ball from Yuuka Kurosaki found Alex Kirnos near the top of the penalty box. Nino came out of the goal to stop the pass that was laid off to Jorian Baucom and Thomas was able to clear the shot away off the goal line. 

In the 37th minute, McKenzie Weinert recorded her second shot of the day off a hard strike to the left side of the goal that DC’s keeper was able to deflect out of bounds. Spokane had five shots in the first half with one on target. They led 1-0 going into halftime for the third time this season. 

Zephyr came out in the second half on the attack causing DC to maintain aggressive play. A foul on Jaskaniec outside the penalty box set Spokane up for another scoring opportunity, but they were unable to find the back of the net off the cross from Emina Ekić. 

Spokane earned 10 corner kicks to DC’s one. Despite the many opportunities, Zephyr were held to one shot in the second half and were unable to find a second goal.

Izzy Nino earned her first clean sheet of the season and had one save. 

“She’s gotten better each week, definitely,” head coach Jo Johnson said. “Even in the passing ranges, we’ve seen her be able to hit different ranges with her feet, which opens up our build. She’s definitely a big presence back there for us, and we just have a lot of trust in her abilities, so we’re happy for her to get the clean sheet too.”

With the win, Spokane moved up a spot to fifth in the USL Super League standings and now holds a record of 1-1-2. DC remains in seventh place with a record of 0-3-2. 

Spokane will have their first road match next weekend against DC Power at Audi Field on Sunday, Sept. 29. Kickoff will be 11 a.m. PT with the match being broadcast on PeacockTV. Zephyr will return to Spokane on Oct. 6 to face Dallas Trinity FC at 2 p.m. PT. The match is Breast Cancer Awareness Day with the theme “Brave.”

“You got the first game check, first win check,” Johnson said. “Now we’ve got to go on the road and get the first road win check, and then get the three points.”

Secure your tickets now!

By Cruz Galm, Gonzaga University ‘25

Spokane Zephyr FC welcomes DC Power FC for the club’s fourth consecutive home match of the season.  Kickoff is 2 p.m. PT at ONE Spokane Stadium.

Zephyr FC (0-1-2) returns to the pitch after falling 2-0 to Carolina Ascent FC (3-0-1) Sept. 15 at home. The home side saw most of the possession in its favor, winning more tackles and duels while registering 18 total shots with two on target. Izzy Nino recorded seven saves and sits second in USL Super League saves with 12 on the season. 

Carolina capitalized on its chances in the first half, securing two goals from Mia Corbin (30’) and Sydney Studer (45 +3’). They remain undefeated and at the top of the USL Super League standings. 

DC Power FC (0-2-2) faced Fort Lauderdale United FC (1-1-1) in its last outing and fell 2-0 at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 13. Despite outshooting Fort Lauderdale 20-11, with chances created by Jorian Baucom, Katrina Guillou and Katie Duong, DC was unable to score.

Sunday’s match will mark the first time these two clubs have faced off. Both sides are still in search of their first win. 

Zephyr currently sits sixth in the USL Super League standings while DC sits right below them in the seventh slot.

The theme for Sunday’s match is “Fierce” and the club will celebrate Hero Night, with special guests, a photo booth, and a cape for the first 500 children through the gates.  Fans can watch the match live on Peacock and through local broadcast on SWX. 

All Zephyr home matches for the remainder of the fall have been moved to a more family-friendly 2 p.m. kickoff starting with this Sunday’s contest.

Sunday’s match will be the final of three home matches for Spokane in September. Zephyr will travel to Washington D.C. to face DC Power FC on Sept. 29 at 11 a.m. PT, at Audi Field, before returning home on Oct. 6 for a three match home stand. 

Secure tickets to the match!

Logan Redinger, University of Washington ‘25

Spokane Zephyr FC were held scoreless in a 2-0 loss against league leaders Carolina Ascent FC on Sunday night. Zephyr produced 18 shots throughout the match, with two on target. 

“(Eighteen) shots is a lot, and if we can start to put more of those on frame, goals are gonna come,” McKenzie Wienert said. “So I think it’s just pushing for that.”

Both teams were aggressive throughout the match, with fouls and yellow cards occurring on both sides. Carolina tactically fouled Spokane numerous times to stop dangerous attacks. 

Zephyr started strong, winning a corner in the third minute. Minutes later, Emina Ekić rattled the bar with a left-footed shot from the right side of the box. 

Carolina began to settle in as the match progressed and produced two shots following Ekić’s miss. The breakthrough came in the 30th minute when Carolina’s Mia Korbin tucked her shot into the bottom right corner following a Spokane turnover in the defensive third. This was Spokane’s first time trailing in club history.

Zephyr responded well, creating a flurry of chances in the next 10 minutes with headers from Taryn Ries and Weinert barely missing the net. 

Spokane had momentum toward the end of the first half, but Izzy Nino was forced to make an important save in the 42nd from a Carolina attacker. Zephyr could not keep Carolina out though, and a header from Syndey Struder off a corner in first-half stoppage time increased the lead to 2-0.

Zephyr came out strong to start the second half. An attack emerged in the 56th minute when Ries drove it down the left side of the pitch, but a Carolina defender fouled her to stop the attack.

Replicating the first half, Carolina settled in defensively and began to create on the attack. Sarah Clark was forced to make a goal-saving slide off a turnover with Nino out of position. Nino had to make two more saves in the following minutes, keeping Zephyr in the match.

Jodi Ülkekul had a big chance in the final seconds of the match but put the shot just over the bar. Carolina’s defense proved sturdy and persistent, as they held strong in the final 30 minutes to see out the win. 

“It’s obviously disappointing to get our first loss of the season, but there are a lot of positives to take away from the match,” captain Sarah Clark said. “Our fight through the full 90 minutes was good, and that is something to carry forward into the next few matches.”

The match is the third in Zephyr’s history, with the club still searching for a win. The loss puts them 6th in the USL Super League standings with a record of 0-1-2. 

“We need to keep the whole season in perspective,” head coach Jo Johnson said. “It’s a long season, and we are learning and growing.”

Spokane Zephyr FC will take on DC Power FC on Sunday, Sept. 22 at ONE Spokane Stadium in the club’s final home match of September. The club is moving their kickoff times to 2 p.m. starting with this match and continuing throughout the rest of the fall home schedule. The match theme is “Fierce” with a celebration of Hero Night.

Secure tickets to our next match!

By Kaya Crawford, Gonzaga University ‘26

In their second of three home matches in September, Spokane Zephyr FC will host Carolina Ascent FC at ONE Spokane Stadium on Sunday evening. 

Sunday’s match will be STEM Night with a fun science project on the concourse, courtesy of Mobius. In addition to this activity, Sunday’s theme is “Brilliant.” Zephyr FC matches will feature themes around a word that connects with the club’s values and brand.

Zephyr is coming off a 1-1 draw Sunday, Sept. 8, against Brooklyn FC. They currently sit fifth in the USL Super League standings with a record of 0-0-2. 

Taryn Ries scored her first goal of the season after finding the back of the net in the 35th minute off a cross from Emina Ekić. 

Zephyr was able to hold onto the 1-0 lead until the 85th minute, when Izzy Nino saved a shot inside the penalty box that rebounded to a Brooklyn forward who was fouled by Nino resulting in a penalty for Brooklyn. Jessica Garziano converted the penalty and Spokane was unable to respond, resulting in the draw. 

Both Gonzaga product Jodi Ülkekul and forward Jenny Vetter made their debuts for Spokane against Brooklyn FC. 

Carolina defeated Fort Lauderdale United FC 2-1 on Friday, Sept. 6. They currently sit at the top of the USL Super League standings with a record of 2-0-1. 

Carolina secured the first multi-goal match in league history against Fort Lauderdale. Renée Guion scored an olimpico in the 26th minute and, in the 69th minute, Jill Aguilera scored off a cross. Fort Lauderdale scored at the beginning of second-half stoppage time to get on the scoresheet.

Carolina’s latest signing, Addisyn Merrick, made her first start just a day after being announced as a member of the club. The defender is a signing from Utah Royals FC following her four-year tenure in the National Women’s Soccer League. She was fundamental to Carolina’s back line against Fort Lauderdale. 

This is the first time the two teams will meet. Carolina currently sits first in the league and is the only team with multiple wins. Spokane is still in search of their first win in club history.

Kickoff on Sunday will be at 6 p.m. and the match will broadcast on Peacock TV. Zephyr has one more match at home in Zeptember, playing host to DC Power FC on Sept. 22. 

Secure your tickets now!

Kaya Crawford, Gonzaga University ‘26

In the first of three September home matches for Spokane Zephyr FC, the team picked up their second 1-1 draw of the season as they hosted Brooklyn FC Sunday night. 

 “We left some chances out there,” said head coach Jo Johnson. “So, a little bit disappointed but happy that we were creating those chances and implementing what we’ve been working on, and then just continuing to build as the season progresses and putting those pieces together.”

Zephyr had one match under their belt and a two week break between matches entering the match against Brooklyn, who had yet to make their USL Super League debut following their first match being postponed due to unplayable field conditions.

The first half saw both teams going back and forth, with Spokane controlling 56.4% of possession. A shot was not recorded until the 17th minute when Brooklyn’s Leah Scarpelli took the ball off her left foot and shot it over Spokane’s goal from outside the penalty box. 

Alyssa Bourgeois got her first start for Zephyr as a right back and put in a solid defensive shift against the Brooklyn press. On the offensive side, she had a key cross to Emma Jaskaniec who sent it wide in the last minute of the match.  

Spokane’s first chance to score wouldn’t come until the 21st minute when Emina Ekić had a shot on target saved by the keeper off a stray pass in the penalty box. She was caught offside, giving possession back to Brooklyn. 

Zephyr found the breakthrough in the 35th minute through Taryn Ries. Ekić dribbled down the far right side, threading a cross on the ground to Ries who was waiting on the backside to bury it in the bottom right corner of the net. 

“It feels great,” Ries said. “I mean, just to be surrounded by all these fans, in my home state, it’s just such a good feeling, for sure.”

Brooklyn kept pressure on Spokane throughout the first half and entered the second half hungry for a goal. Early in the half, Izzy Nino saved a shot from Brooklyn just inside the box, her first of three saves on the night.

Both Jodi Ülkekul and Jenny Vetter made their debuts for Spokane with Gonzaga product Ülkekul replacing Ries in the 63rd minute and Vetter replacing Ekic in the 79th.

Despite being outshot 10-7, Zephyr was able to hold on to their lead until the 85th minute when Nino saved a shot inside the penalty box that rebounded to a Brooklyn forward who was brought down by Nino leading to a penalty for Brooklyn. The call resulted in the fourth yellow card of the night against Spokane and Brooklyn’s first ever goal when Jessica Garziano converted the penalty.

Spokane was unable to find the back of the net in the remaining minutes of the half plus five minutes of stoppage time, settling for a 1-1 draw and earning a point on the league table.

“It definitely felt like it was another first game, just with three weeks being in between each game,” captain Sarah Clark said. “It’ll be nice moving forward, kind of getting into a rhythm of a week of training and then a game every weekend. So yeah, I felt like today we kind of had a bit of jitters again. So I feel like getting into that rhythm will take that side of it away.”

Zephyr remains at fourth in the USL Super League standings with 2 points and a record of 0-0-2. The club is looking for its first win of the season and have two home games left in “Zeptember.” Spokane will host Carolina Ascent FC on Sept. 15 for STEM Night with match theme “Brilliant” and DC Power FC on Sept. 22 at ONE Spokane Stadium. On Sept. 15, bring the family for a fun science project on the concourse courtesy of Mobius. 

Secure tickets to our next match!

By Kaya Crawford, Gonzaga University ‘26

Spokane Zephyr FC is gearing up for their second match of the USL Super League inaugural season when they host Brooklyn FC on Sunday, Sept. 8 at ONE Spokane Stadium. 

Zephyr had a two week break since their season opener against Fort Lauderdale United FC that ended in a 1-1 draw. Head Coach Jo Johnson’s squad currently sits in fourth in the USL Super League standings with a 0-0-1 record. 

Brooklyn FC has yet to debut in the USL Super League. Their inaugural match against Carolina Ascent FC this past weekend was postponed due to the field surface at Maimonides Park being deemed unplayable.  

The first match of professional women’s soccer in Spokane was a success. In addition to the excitement of the match and a sellout of ONE Spokane Stadium, Spokane Mayor Lisa Browndeclared Saturday, Aug. 17, “Women’s Soccer Day” and before kick-off, more than 400 female soccer players in the Spokane community joined club President Katie Harnetiaux on the pitch for a special ceremony. 

Emina Ekić scored the first goal in Zephyr history off a penalty after being fouled in the box by a Fort Lauderdale defender in the 16th minute. Zephyr held the lead until Fort Lauderdale leveled the score in the 72nd minute when Addie McCain found the back of the net off a cross. 

“I was hyped,” Ekić said following the inaugural match. “It was a great team build-up, and that just represents what we embody as a team. We are one, and I think everybody is behind that.”

The two teams have one thing in common besides playing in the USL Super League inaugural season – they have players who were teammates at the University of Illinois. Brooklyn’s Hope Breslin will go head-to-head with Spokane Zephyr defender Katie Murray after the two were key members of the University of Illinois Fighting Illini from 2017-2018.

While Brooklyn FC has not played a match yet, they have made history along with Fort Lauderdale United FC by completing the first club-to-club transfer in the league. Brooklyn acquired Brazilian national team forward Luana Grabias from Fort Lauderdale on Monday, Aug. 28. The forward competed collegiately at Nova Southeastern University and in her senior year led the team in goals (13) and assists (5).

Both teams also have homegrown talent, with six of Brooklyn’s players hailing from New York. Spokane’s squad has four athletes who hail from Washington, including Makena Carr, Taryn Ries, Jodi Ülkekul and Haley Thomas. In addition, Ülkekul and Sophia Braun starred at Gonzaga University.

This season, Zephyr FC will feature themes around a word that connects with the club’s values and brand. The theme will coincide with a fun, educational and/or celebratory sub-theme. In addition, an honoree will be selected by the club to represent the theme word. Sunday’s theme is “Tenacious” and the club will be celebrating Hispanic and Latinx/a/oHeritage Night. The theme’s honoree is Lidia Hernandez, Dancer & Co-Coordinator Ballet Folklórico de Spokane.

Zephyr will remain at home for their next two matches as they take on Carolina Ascent FC (Sept. 15) and DC Power FC (Sept. 22) at ONE Spokane Stadium.

Secure your Zephyr FC tickets now!

Broadcast arrangement gives local fans greater access to watch professional women’s soccer

Beginning on Sunday, Spokane-area soccer fans will be able to turn on their televisions to catch live local broadcasts of Spokane Zephyr FC soccer matches. 

The deal between NonStop Local KHQ/SWX and USL Spokane will bring nine Zephyr home matches to either KHQ or SWX, KHQ’s digital sports channel. Five of those matches will be from the USL Super League fall season, with four coming from the soon-to-be-announced spring slate. 

NonStop Local KHQ and SWX already broadcast matches of the men’s USL League One team, Spokane Velocity FC. The addition of Zephyr FC to this package brings top-level talent from the new USL Super League – a Division 1 professional women’s league – to viewers in Eastern Washington, North Idaho and Western Montana.

“We are thrilled for the opportunity to partner with Zephyr FC and deliver its broadcasts to our local viewers,” said John Fritz, SWX Station Manager. “It’s really exciting to have such a high level of women’s professional soccer in Spokane and we can’t wait to showcase it five times this fall on SWX.

The partnership kicks off Sunday, Sept. 8 with Zephyr’s 6 p.m. home match against Brooklyn FC. Other home matches slated for broadcast this fall season include:

• Sept. 15 vs. Carolina Ascent FC, 6 p.m.
• Sept. 22 vs. DC Power FC, 6 p.m. 
• Oct. 13 vs. Lexington Sporting Club, 6 p.m.
• Oct. 27 vs. Tampa Bay Sun FC, 6 p.m.

The above fall matches will be broadcast on SWX.

“This is enormous for the Inland Empire, with tier 1 professional women’s soccer visible directly through our local partners in NonStop Local KHQ/SWX,” said Tate Kelly, Vice President of Partnerships for USL Spokane. “This additional viewing opportunity for Spokane Zephyr FC will deliver one of Spokane’s most visible sports products locally in addition to the national coverage provided by Peacock. 

“The whole team at USL Spokane wishes to extend a special thank you to John Fritz and Jason Ramsey with NonStop Local KHQ/SWX for their commitment to the region’s first pro women’s sport organization. We are excited to grow together!”

An additional four of Zephyr’s seven home matches in the spring will also be broadcast through the partnership. SWX is available free over the air on channel 6.2. Comcast/Xfinity customers in Spokane will find the channel on 112. TDS customers in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene can find it on channel 36, while those in Coeur d’Alene with Spectrum cable can watch channel 1245. 

All home and away games are available to view via NBC’s streaming platform, Peacock, which is available by subscription.

By Cam McCann, Gonzaga ‘25, and Kaya Crawford, Gonzaga ‘26

To say Saturday’s Spokane Zephyr FC match lived up to expectations is an understatement. 

“It was everything I hoped it would be and more,” said club president Katie Harnetiaux after the match.

As Spokane Zephyr FC took the field for its inaugural match in USL Super League against Fort Lauderdale United FC in front of a sold out home crowd, the excitement for professional women’s soccer could be heard throughout ONE Spokane Stadium.

“I’ve never heard the stadium so loud,” Harnetiaux said. “They cheered for those girls, they cheered for the players, they cheered for Spokane. It was really a magical moment.”

On what Mayor Lisa Brown declared “Women’s Soccer Day” in Spokane, the mayor, along with family members of Zephyr players, joined the USL Spokane supporters club 509 Syndicate  in celebrating women’s soccer as they marched from Riverfront Park to the stadium, cheering along the way.

“It was wild, everybody cheering and all so excited that this is happening…I thought the energy was a little bit bigger this time around,” said a fan who joined the march.

The magic of the pre-match atmosphere climaxed just minutes before kickoff, as more than 400 female youth soccer players shared the pitch alongside both teams and Harnetiaux, who made emotional remarks highlighting the significance of what Zephyr FC and USL Super League have brought to Spokane and the nation. 

Jen O’Holloran’s two daughters were among the youth players on the pitch before the match.

“Both were really excited to put their jerseys on and go out there,” O’Holloran said. “It makes me proud of them to work hard, and especially see these ladies and how hard they work and [represent] what my daughters could become.”

“It was super fun,” said O’Holloran’s daughter Julia, 10. “It was kind of scary. Everybody was cheering loud, but it was a really cool experience.” 

After starting lineups were introduced, Gonzaga University women’s soccer coach Katie Benz gave a wonderful performance of the National Anthem, leading to a roar of cheers while Mayor Brown brought out the match ball and performed the coin toss to get the historic match underway.

As the match progressed, cheers of “Let’s go Zephyr, let’s go!” could be heard throughout the stadium, led by exuberant young fans. The 509 Syndicate also kept the energy up throughout the contest with drums setting a beat for the crowd to follow. 

“We’ll play up to all the themes, we’ll be here cheering, and we want this section to be as strong or stronger for women than it even is for the men,” said 509 Syndicate board member Kori Baker. 

As Emina Ekić took the ball down the line off a deep cross and nutmegged a Fort Lauderdale defender to enter the penalty box, she was taken down, resulting in yells of disapproval from the crowd. Ekić was awarded the penalty and sunk it deep into the bottom right of the goal, scoring Spokane Zephyr FC’s first-ever goal and bringing the crowd to its feet.

“It was amazing,” said 509 Syndicate board member Jessica Prewitt. “It was so fun to see the team right here hug and everything. And I felt like, I just wanted to give them a big hug, because that was like, that was it! That was the first goal!”

With Spokane’s first 45 minutes of professional women’s sports under its belt, the excitement was nowhere near faltering. Even the coach of Spokane Velocity FC, Leigh Veidman, could notice that the cheers were something different than that of a regular match.

“Just being around the stadium, on the way in, in the parking lots, walking through town, you can feel and see the buzz around town. And then when you get in the stadium, you can really feel it, and you could feel it when the first goal went in,” Veidman said at halftime. “It’s not just a noise and a crowd. You can feel the excitement from people around you. People have been talking about it everywhere you go, so it’s really been a highly anticipated event, and now it’s actually happening. The buzz is real.”

Even as Fort Lauderdale equalized in the second half, the fans in ONE Spokane Stadium remained energetic and proud, refusing to let the goal extinguish their fervent enthusiasm.

As the final seconds of the match wound down, the crowd rose to their feet in celebration for this historic moment in Spokane. 

Spokane’s pride was evident as fans stayed long after the final whistle for the players to walk around the pitch. The players remained outside to speak with fans, sign merch and see their friends and family who came out to support them. 

“Obviously, I love Spokane, but just the fact that we can be in a city where we can be role models and an inspiration for young girls and young athletes, it’s so special,” said Zephyr midfielder and former Gonzaga Bulldog Sophia Braun. “I don’t think it’s hit me yet, but seeing everybody out here was amazing. Being able to sign autographs and look those little girls in the eyes is so special, and something we’re so grateful for.”

After everyone had left the stadium previously filled to the brim with fans, the mystical air still hung over ONE Spokane Stadium, and a successful USL Super League opening weekend left many fans wanting more. 

“Our daughter will proudly be wearing Zephyr gear at their match in Brooklyn,” said a fan who will be heading east on Nov. 2 when Zephyr play at Brooklyn FC. 

Overall, “Women’s Soccer Day” in Spokane was a monumental one for everyone involved, especially for Katie Harnetiaux who led the charge in bringing professional women’s soccer to the Lilac City.

“I saw in the faces of those girls, my daughter, my niece, my goddaughter, it was every small child that I’ve had the opportunity to help raise over the years, and just saw their fresh faces, so excited about what we were going to do,” Harnetiaux said. “And, you know, we had the opportunity to listen to them. And I just heard a couple girls leaving the stadium, and they were like, ‘I’m going to play soccer one day.’ And I just thought we did it, that’s what we wanted.” 

Secure Tickets to the next Zephyr FC Match