Things were looking a little bleak for Spokane Zephyr at the end of the Fall Schedule.
In the Fall Finale against Tampa Bay Sun, Zephyr fumbled a second-half lead and lost 3-2. The team picked up just three points in its last six matches and finished at the bottom of the standings heading into the break.
Then, Spokane had to open its spring account on the road against second-placed Dallas Trinity, which had double the number of points as Spokane heading into the match. Zephyr hadn’t won away all season, while Trinity had lost only once at home. The visitors would also be without midfielders Emina Ekić – who led the side with three goals and four assists in the Fall – and Sophia Braun, who were away on international duty.
But against the odds, Zephyr came away with the 1-0 victory last weekend, earning its first win since late October.
“I’m very proud of the fight and mentality of our team this game,” said Zephyr midfielder Katie Murray. “Everyone stepped in and made an impact from start to finish. It was a total collective effort to secure the points.”
Murray scored the game-winner in the 15th minute, which was her first goal of the season. Forward Emma Jaskaniec provided the assist, also her first.
“The goal starts with us beginning to find ourselves in the game,” Murray said. “Credit goes a lot to Emma using her strength to hold the ball up and play a great pass to me. I am happy to help contribute.”
KATIE MURRAY!!!!
— Spokane Zephyr FC (@spokanezephyrfc) February 22, 2025
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Spokane had struggled thus far with finishing chances. The team ranks first in shots (193) and second behind only Dallas in penalty areas entries (420), yet it has scored the second fewest goals (14).
Dallas won the first meeting against Spokane before the teams split points in a scoreless draw in November. However, Zephyr probably should’ve gotten the win in at least one of those matches. Spokane controlled possession and nearly doubled Trinity’s shots 30-16 in both fixtures. McKenzie Weinert scored what would’ve been the winner in the second match, but it was called offside.
“We’ve played Dallas close the last couple of games we faced them, so it was nice picking up the three points,” said Spokane Head Coach Jo Johnson. “The team showed their commitment to growth and improvement from our fall experience. They executed the game plan, and it was a true team effort; supporting and showing up for one another.”
Zephyr’s next match is its home opener against the new current second-place team Carolina Ascent. After last week’s big win, which might be the biggest upset of the season thus far, gives hope to what Spokane can bring during the rest of this Spring Schedule.
“You could feel the excitement and passion amongst all the girls,” said Zephyr forward Ally Cook. “I’m excited to continue this momentum into this second half of the season. I can’t wait to see what this team is able to accomplish.”