Spokane Zephyr FC announced Marley Canales as its first player signing today. Her signing is pending league and federation approval.
Marley Canales, who was drafted by the Seattle Reign FC of the National Women’s Soccer League in 2022, had a standout career at UCLA and has played at several levels of the Women’s National Team system. She will bring a deep skillset, a passion for the game, and a wide range of experience to the club this inaugural season.
Canales made 10 appearances with the Reign across two seasons, and was part of the 2022 squad that won the NWSL Shield for best regular season record, and the Women’s Cup. She has been training recently with the San Diego Wave.
“We are so excited to have Marley Canales joining us for our inaugural season,” said Katie Harnetiaux, President of USL Spokane and co-owner of Aequus Sports. “We have no doubt Marley will have an immediate impact given her experience, passion for hard work, and technical skills. We can’t wait for her to make Spokane her new home, and our fans to meet her.”
During her years with UCLA, Canales won All-Pac 12 Honors twice, and was with the team during its NCAA Tournament run in 2017, hitting the game winner against Duke off a penalty kick to send the Bruins to the championship game.
At the national level, Canales earned 23 caps with the U-17, U-18 and U-20 Women’s National Teams, and was a member of the U-23 squad. She was on the U.S. team that won the 2015 CONCACAF U-20 Championship and was a member of the 2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup team.
“I am very excited to be in Spokane for [the USL Super League’s] inaugural year,” Canales said. “I’m excited to help this club and league grow from year one and to continue to help build the women’s game.”
Zephyr will begin play in August as a member of the United Soccer League’s Super League, a new league sanctioned by the U.S. Soccer Federation as Division One – the top of the women’s soccer pyramid in the United States. Other teams in the inaugural Super League season are Brooklyn FC, Carolina Ascent FC, Dallas Trinity FC, Fort Lauderdale United FC, Lexington FC, Tampa Bay Sun FC, and Washington, D.C., with eight more clubs joining in 2025 and beyond.
For Canales, being able to continue her professional career in the new USL Super League presents an appealing opportunity.
“I’m honored to play this sport at the highest level, and [it’s] something I don’t take for granted. I know this club and league are building something very special for many more generations to come and I’m proud to be a part of it from the start.”
Spokane Zephyr FC will play their first match this August in ONE Spokane Stadium in downtown Spokane, Wash. The home opener date and season schedule will be announced in the coming weeks. Season tickets are now on sale for this historic season that will change the landscape of women’s professional soccer in Spokane, America, and worldwide.