History
Aequus Sports was granted a USL Super League franchise on May 16, 2023.[2] On November 4, 2023, the name and crest of the club were announced.[3][4] Spokane would be the westernmost market in the league's inaugural season, with more West Coast teams planned in later expansions.[5]
Zephyr FC played their inaugural match on August 17, 2024, against Fort Lauderdale United FC to a sold-out crowd on their home field at ONE Spokane Stadium, drawing 1–1. Emina Ekić scored the club's first goal off a penalty kick.[6] In their first season in the USL Super League, Zephyr FC finished 5th and did not qualify for the playoffs due to the head-to-head tiebreaker.[7] In their second season, the Zephyr finished just below playoff qualification with a 10–9–9 record.[8] Attendance at home matches fell from an average of 2,500 in the inaugural season to 1,500 in the second season.[9]
On May 20, 2026, Aequus Sports announced that Zephyr FC would cease operations immediately.[9][10] During their tenure in the USL Super League, Zephyr FC had the longest travel distances of any team; their nearest opponents were Dallas Trinity FC at 1,500 miles (2,400 km).[11]
Club identity
The Zephyr name and primary colors—Basalt Black and Palouse Gold—refer to the Inland Northwest's geography.[4][3] The Z in the logo is a reference to the west wind, that "sweeps in and reshapes the landscape."[14]
Players and staff
Final roster
- As of February 18, 2026[15]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Academy players
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
Final staff
- As of October 9, 2025
| Coaching staff[16] |
| Head coach |
Nicole Lukic |
| Assistant coach |
Sly Yeates |
| Front Office Staff |
| President, USL Spokane |
Katie Harnetiaux[17] |
Records
Year-by-year
- As of May 16, 2026
| Season |
League |
Regular season |
Playoffs |
Avg. attendance |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 2024–25 |
USLS |
28 |
11 |
9 |
8 |
37 |
32 |
42 |
5th |
DNQ |
2,537 |
| 2025–26 |
USLS |
28 |
10 |
9 |
9 |
34 |
28 |
39 |
5th |
DNQ |
1,566 |
References
- "Ownership". USL Spokane. January 26, 2026. Retrieved February 28, 2026.
- Allen, Jim (May 16, 2023). "Spokane gets top-tier USL women's soccer team". The Spokesman-Review. Retrieved November 5, 2023.
- "USL Spokane Reveals Name and Crest of New Professional Women's Soccer Team". USL Spokane. Retrieved July 25, 2025.
- "New Women's Spokane Soccer team name revealed". KREM 2 News. November 5, 2023. Retrieved November 5, 2023.
- Reed, Justin (February 13, 2024). "Zephyr at the Zenith: Spokane's women's soccer franchise celebrates USL Super League news". The Spokesman-Review. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
- "Zephyr's USL Super League debut ends in 1-1 draw with Fort Lauderdale". Thte Spokesman-Review. Retrieved August 18, 2024.
- "League Standings - USL Super League". USL Super League. Archived from the original on June 12, 2025. Retrieved July 25, 2025.
- Allison, John (May 16, 2026). "Spokane Zephyr miss playoffs despite historic win over Brooklyn FC". The Spokesman-Review. Retrieved May 20, 2026.
- Nichols, Dave (May 20, 2026). "Spokane Zephyr FC announce via website post 2025-26 season will be last". The Spokesman-Review. Retrieved May 21, 2026.
- Frizzell, Casey (May 20, 2026). "Spokane Zephyr FC ceasing operations after 2 seasons". KREM. Retrieved May 20, 2026.
- Craven, Brock (May 20, 2026). "Spokane Zephyr FC folds, will not return for third season". SWX NonStop Local Sports. Retrieved May 20, 2026.
- Nichols, Dave (January 3, 2024). "Difference makers: ONE Spokane Stadium provides home field for city's student-athletes, professional soccer". Spokesman.com. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
- Clark, Colton (August 17, 2024). "Zephyr's USL Super League debut ends in 1-1 draw with Fort Lauderdale". Spokesman.com. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
- "Zephyr FC Crest".
- "2025-26 Zephyr FC Roster". www.uslspokane.com.
- "Zephyr FC Technical Staff". Retrieved July 24, 2025.
- "Katie Harnetiaux Joins USL Spokane as President". Spokane Velocity Football Club. October 18, 2023. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
United States
