Washington Spirit Hunts Championship Glory After Declaring 'The Job's Not Done'
The Washington Spirit are seeking more than just vindication—they want to make a powerful declaration. The National Women's Soccer League's second-seeded team will face eighth-seeded NJ/NY Gotham FC in Saturday's title match, twelve months after the Spirit lost to Orlando Pride in the 2024 championship final. Defenders Kate Wiesner and Paige Metayer refuse to let history repeat itself.
"Last season, the final felt like the peak of our campaign, and we were incredibly proud just reaching that stage given all our challenges," explains Metayer. "This season, we're filled with joy being here, and we genuinely believe we've earned our place—but our work isn't finished. That mindset has surrounded our team all year—we won't be satisfied until we hoist that trophy. The entire squad has embraced this philosophy and discovered tremendous joy playing together, while also committing to making the championship our season's ultimate objective."
The Spirit face a formidable challenge against Gotham, who despite entering the playoffs as the lowest seed, defeated Shield winners Kansas City Current and defending champions Orlando Pride to reach the final. As Gotham midfielder Jaedyn Shaw noted following their quarterfinal victory, Gotham is definitely "not your typical eighth seed," and Spirit players aren't underestimating their opponents.
"In championship games, or playoffs generally, it's fascinating because the stakes are higher, yet you can't overthink it," explains Metayer. "Our preparation approach recognizes Gotham's team identity and shows them proper respect, but our concentration remains on ourselves and how we can create problems for our opponents, specifically Gotham."
Among founding NWSL franchises, the Spirit and Gotham have met 44 times, the most frequent matchup in league history. Their 2024 semifinal encounter solidified an emerging rivalry between these East Coast clubs, and beyond claiming victory, pride is at stake. Both organizations have recently captured championships—Spirit in '21 and Gotham in '23—and each seeks to add their second star above their badge.
"There's clearly significant history between our clubs, particularly being geographically close, which always intensifies the rivalry," notes Wiesner. "We deeply respect Gotham, and they possess some truly exceptional individual talents and roster depth. Personally, I'm thrilled about this matchup."
Outta the park and straight into the back of the net!
Kate Wiesner gets Washington Spirit the lead early! pic.twitter.com/BahrsV13q9
For Wiesner, the rivalry element enhances what's already anticipated to be a tactical showcase, with Spirit manager Adrián González facing fellow Spaniard Juan Carlos Amorós of Gotham. Wiesner believes the decisive factors will be found in crucial details—set pieces, strategic execution, and small elements that determine winners in close contests.
"I truly believe that given our team's current form, this match comes down to maintaining our approach and understanding what we need to do for success, regardless of our opponent," states Metayer. "We're certainly studying their methods, but heavily emphasizing what we can accomplish."
Both Metayer and Wiesner aim to contribute to Spirit's Saturday efforts, each carrying additional motivation. For Wiesner, the second-year defender received her inaugural U.S. women's national team selection this week, recognizing a season of dedication and club impact.
"Receiving any national team call-up is obviously an immense honor, and my primary emotion is appreciation for this chance," shares Wiesner. "However, our immediate priority is Saturday's business. Until Saturday evening, the call-up remains somewhat secondary as I focus on one task at a time. Currently, my complete attention is on delivering a championship to D.C."
For Metayer, who missed the 2025 season's first half due to injury, capturing the elusive championship would provide a perfect conclusion. Her return to action aligned with major Spirit changes, but she's treating her early-season foundation as a growth experience.
"I got this." - Paige Metayer 😤 pic.twitter.com/hrsJvIHZiW
"This campaign has felt like experiencing 20 different existences, and I believe everyone shares that sentiment," reflects Metayer. "Kate [Wiesner] also spent time sidelined with injury early this year, so we both feel like we had half a season, yet they seemed like completely separate realities."
González will guide the Spirit after assuming control when Jonatan Giráldez departed in June to manage OL Lyonnes. Since González's leadership began, he rapidly gained the Spirit dressing room's respect, and as Metayer and Wiesner attest, genuine pleasure playing under his guidance.
"He delivers passion and energy to our group unlike anything I've previously experienced," says Wiesner. "His expertise and enthusiasm for his work is infectious and influences the entire team. He's wonderful to play for, and I believe he deserves enormous credit for our success this season."
With Saturday approaching, the Spirit are completing their tactical preparation on the field and at local cafés. Wiesner describes herself as a coffee enthusiast, while Metayer prefers tea, but neither will skip their morning beverage. Actually, this ritual forms a crucial component of many Spirit players' routines, ensuring optimal physical and mental preparation for Saturday's pivotal moment.
"Coffee plays a vital role in our match day ritual and preparation—I don't believe I could perform without it," admits Wiesner. "It's something we simply enjoy as people before a monumental moment, and it's centering and humbling to value something as basic as coffee and the teammates I share it with before entering this massive, almost surreal environment like a championship final. Ultimately, we're just a group of people who care deeply for one another and love playing soccer."
With supporters traveling to the Bay Area from Washington, D.C., players hope some Rowdy Audi atmosphere will be present at PayPal Park Saturday evening.
"They're our 12th player—we love performing for Rowdy Audi," says Metayer, a California native. "This match holds extra significance for me, having attended college in the Bay Area and being able to reconnect with alumni and various people I've encountered during my collegiate years, so I'm extremely excited to play here."
Regardless of Saturday night's outcome, Spirit players are prepared to battle for their city and give everything they have.
"There's additional confidence and belief surrounding our group entering Saturday's match," says Wiesner. "I'm extremely excited to see how that translates on the pitch."
More Soccer on Sports Illustrated
