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Father-daughter relationship sparks soccer career for one Washington Spirit player

The Washington Spirit will play in the NWSL championship game against the Chicago Red Stars.

WASHINGTON — The love Washington Spirit midfielder Chinyelu Asher has for soccer started when she was 9-years-old. Her father, Kevin, was the first person to teach Chinyelu the game. "It started with me watching my Dad play," said Asher. "I have a love that's unconditional. 

Chinyelue is from Silver Spring, Maryland. Her father attends Spirit games and plans to fly out to Louisville to watch her play in the Nationals Women's Soccer League Championship against the Chicago Red Stars. "He's my number one fan," said Asher. "I love being able to have them come to games and just see what I've been doing and pushing for in my career."

Chinyelue's father also has a strong soccer background. Kevin was a member of the Howard University soccer team. These days, he spends his free time coaching his daughter. 

"When he has a hard time sleeping, I think he does film study on my games with the National team or with the Spirit," said Asher. "I could go home today and receive an email breaking down."

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.

RELATED: DMV locals look to win NWSL Championship with Washington Spirit

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.  

Asher would bring a title back to where her love for the sport of soccer originated from, her father. "I will probably cry," said Asher when asked what it would mean to win a title for her Dad. "It will be euphoric honestly."

RELATED: Steve Baldwin steps down as co-owner of Washington Spirit, effective immediately

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