Ahead of the Washington Spirit’s second straight championship appearance, All for XI sat down with Spirit players to discuss their journey to the final, the team’s extra special relationship to their fans,
and their favorite foods.
Kate Wiesner talks her big USWNT call-up and the power of Rowdy Audi
Left back Kate Wiesner recently received her first full USWNT call-up , a huge moment for the 24-year-old in her second professional season.
“I’m really honored, super grateful for the opportunity to represent my country and the trust that Emma has,” she said.
Wiesner said that Spirit would not be in the Championship without support from their fans. “Rowdy Audi has been the absolute best this year from beginning to end, and I think I can say with confidence that we would not be here without them,” she said.
Rebeca Bernal belief in the team and family & friends support
Rebeca Bernal spoke about her faith in the team from day one and how much it means to have her family and friends at the NWSL championship final.
“I’m so competitive, I know that this team quality enough to be here. I was thought that this was a big chance for us. Now we are here, enjoying it a lot.”
“I feel happy that they can be here with me, supporting me and the team. So, it’s very special for me.”
Gift Monday reflects on her goal contributions and thanks fans
Gift Monday, who signed with Spirit in March, has become a hugely important player for the club. The Nigerian forward scored the team’s only goal in the quarterfinal against Racing Louisville and another in their semifinal match against the Portland Thorns.
“I feel really great. I feel honored. I feel blessed,” said Monday about her goal contributions. “Also I would really like thank my teammates, because without them, I wouldn’t have been able to get the goal.”
Monday was quick to thank Spirit fans, and said she dedicates her goals to them.
“Every game I play for the fans. Every goal I score, I dedicated for the fans,” she said.
Monday is excited to go back to Nigeria and visit her family over the offseason, where she also plans to eat Nigerian food. She named rice and tomatoes as her favorite Nigerian food.
Sofia Cantore embraces Italy through carbonara
Cantore became the first Italian player in the NWSL when she signed for the Spirit earlier this season.
“When I decided to do this experience, I didn’t know that I was the first Italian,” said Cantore. “But right now, I’m proud of it, because I think this is an amazing experience. And if I have to suggest to other people to do it, I will, because I think it’s kind of overwhelming. This league is amazing and the fan are amazing.”
She said that soccer in the NWSL is more physical, but it’s helped her grow as a player.
“It’s different type of soccer,” she said. “It’s more direct, it’s more physical, so you have to be 100% fit every game to play your best. I think it makes me grow a lot, so I really enjoy to play.”
But Cantore has still held onto an important piece of her identity as an Italian—pasta.
“My favorite food is pasta—carbonara,” she said. Goalkeeper Kaylie Collins chimed in and said that Cantore likes to cook her teammates carbonara.
BFFs and TikTok superstars Sandy MacIver & Esme Morgan
One of the top TikTok duos in all of football, Sandy MacIver and Esme Morgan, shared their fun offseason plans.
When asked about those plans, here was MacIver’s reaction:
“Honestly, not really. No, I lied! I’m going on holiday with Esme [Morgan] of course. Cause you know, God forbid, we stay apart in the offseason. So, we’re going to Tenerife for a few days which should be lovely.”
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