WASHINGTON D.C., DC — Saturday night, the Washington Spirit took on the Orlando Pride in the National Women's Soccer League Championship.
The game was held in Kansas City, but back here in the Nation's Capital, fans crowded in to metrobar in Northeast D.C..
"We're the official watch party for the Spirit. We had a watch party last time they were in the finals and we had a great turnout and great result so we're hoping for the same thing tonight," said Ylia Wilson, the bar manager at metrobar.
Fans poured in from across the DMV to watch the game.
"It's just so exciting. They have a lot of talent especially with all of the rookies this year. We have an incredible group of rookies that just adds a lot of energy to the team. Honestly the fan experience is incredible at Audi field," said a fan named Danielle.
People gathered both inside the metro cars turned bars and sat by the various fire pits, watching on the big screens as the game played out.
Others colored in mini soccer balls and snapped photos with the team's mascot PK the Eagle.
"We are here to cheer on the Spirit as they hopefully bring back their second championship. It has just been so much fun watching them this season," said one woman who brought her 5 year-old son, who she says is a huge fan, to the watch party.
"I hope he takes away the grit and determination, perseverance these women have shown in these sports and applies it to his life," she added.
The watch party began at 6 p.m. At points there was a line of people waiting to get in.
"I'm most excited that I had to get on a waitlist to get tickets for this. I feel like for a women's sporting event that's a huge deal," said Hannah Sandler, who attended Saturday night's watch party.
"It's long overdue honestly. I'm excited to see more and more people getting into it," said a fan named John.
"i get emotional talking about but just to see all the support for women's soccer women's sports in general. It's so exciting and so worthy," said Wilson.
Unfortunately the team lost to Orlando, but the fans say they'll still be here rooting them on next year.
"They've had a great season and the city is really behind them," said Wilson.
"We'll be there next year, win or lose," added Sandler.