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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

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Women’s soccer returning to Spokane

Spokane FC Shadow will field an elite women’s team this summer, the organzation announced Thursday.

Spokane is the third member of the men’s Evergreen Premier League of Washington to join the new women’s Northwest Premier League, which is introducing its first six clubs.

Spokane is the third member of the Evergreen Premier League to unveil a women’s team, joining fellow the Olympic Force and South Sound FC.  Spokane’s NWPL team will include current and recent collegiate players and will also provide an opportunity for the elite college prospects.

“The NWPL coming to Spokane is a huge step for women's soccer,” said Spokane native and former Seattle Pacific University standout Megan Lindsay, who has recently played abroad. “It is a great thing for the soccer community in Spokane, especially for the little girls who dream of playing professionally.”

“We need a women's team in Spokane,” Lindsay said.

The team will include players from nearby programs at Gonzaga, Washington State, Idaho and Eastern Washington, along with Spokane natives who play collegiate ball out of town. More talent is expected from high school seniors who are preparing for the jump to the college level.

"This is a great opportunity for young players in the area to get a feel for the advanced level of competition they may soon embark on,” said Kevin Moon,  who coaches the Shadow’s top high school-age teams and serves as college advisor for players. 

This won’t be the first women’s team to play in Spokane; the Spokane Shine won the 2012 Northwest Division regular-season title in the Women’s Premier Soccer League. 

More information on the formation of the Shadow NWPL team, such as coaching staff, tryouts and playing venue, will be announced later, said Gerald Barnhart, the Shadow general manager.

Shadow men’s tryouts in March: The two-time defending EPLWA champion Shadow will host an open tryout on the weekend of March 19-20. Interested players should reserve the weekend on their schedule. Further information regarding tryouts will be available in the coming weeks, Barnhart said.

 



Jim Allen
Jim Allen joined The Spokesman-Review in 1984. He currently covers K-12 education and women's basketball.

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