SPOKANE, Wash. – A Spokane Zephyr FC player, who asked to remain anonymous spoke out about the Zephyr suspending operations, calling the decision “heartbreaking”.
“I think the emotions that we felt were heartbreak obviously for the team, the community, for our staff as well.” said the player.
The player told KXLY that the team was informed by management on Monday in an unceremonious, 2-minute meeting who cited a lack of interest from the community as the reason for the team shutting down.
“Their message was that they believed it was a difficult market to have a division one professional team in and that the community’s support was not what they intended it to be.” continued the player.
However, many of the players on the team disagreed with the notion, pointing to the stadium’s atmosphere during home games.
“We had the best match day environment, we believe, in the entire league. It is my opinion that we could have done more, and I think it’s unfair to preface the statement that was made with that sentiment.” the player said.
Many of the players had questions for management following the meeting, but the player says they were met with silence.
“They walked out of the room, did not field any questions, did not allow us to speak to them. We as players asked them to come back into the room and they declined.”
Despite feeling disappointment about how this chapter of their career has ended, the player is optimistic about her future and the future of her teammates.
“I believe that any team would be lucky to have this group of high character individuals. I think us standing for what’s right but knowing that we need to move on to what’s next will bid us well for our next adventure.” said the player.
Zephyr players will become free agents on June 30th and will be free to sign with a new team.
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