WASHINGTON — The Washington Spirit will look to win their first National Women's Soccer League championship when they take on the Chicago Red Stars in Louisville on Saturday.
For three members of the Spirit's soccer team, winning a title for the DMV hits home differently.
Midfielder Andi Sullivan is from Lorton, Virginia and went to South County High School. Midfielder Anna Heilferty is from Falls Church, Virginia and graduated from Justice High School and Chinyelu Asher is from Silver Spring, Maryland. She went to school at Archbishop Carroll in Washington D.C.
"Every time I play for this team it's special because I grew up going to games and watching this team" said Sullivan. "Now to get to be in the shoes of this team and play for a championship is really cool."
Chinyelu Asher was a non-roster player for the Spirit in 2018. This past spring, she re-joined the team. "Being from the DMV, this is my first time in my pro career I'm able to be a pro and home at the same time" said Asher. At 9-yers old, Asher learned how to play soccer from her Dad, Kevin, who played soccer at Howard University.
If the Washington Spirit can win on Saturday, they will be the first professional team from the district to win a professional sports title since the Washington Nationals won the World Series in 2019. "Everyone is excited. I was here when the Nationals won," said Heilferty. "This area is really special because they really get behind their team. It's a good community."
Andi and Chinyelu say their family will attend the NWSL championship game at Lynn Family Stadium in Louisville, KY. The game will be broadcast on WUSA9 (CBS). For fans that can't make the trip to Louisville but are looking for a game-like experience, there will be a watch party at Metrobar at 640 Rhode Island Avenue, Northeast in Washington D.C.
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