Teams talk NWSL final in Houston

Crystal Dunn speaks to Prost Amerika journalist Jose Castellanos before Sundays NWSL Final. Full video below. 

The NWSL held the Championship Media Day at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston on Thursday where the Washington Spirit and the Western New York Flash players and coaching staff shared their thoughts on the upcoming final on October 9th.

The Washington Spirit got to the final after winning in overtime 2-1 against the Chicago Red Stars, whereas the Flash surprised everyone by scoring twice during regulation and twice in overtime to pass over the No. 1 team Portland Thorns at Providence Park.

During the Championship Media Day Kelsey Wys, who is a goalkeeper for the Washington Spirit, commented that “Making it to the final was a team effort. We are excited to be here in Houston, and we are prepared to win on Sunday.” Also, Christine Nairn, who is a midfielder for the Spirit and has been in the USWNT said, “Our organization has an amazing fan base, and they deserve the championship.” Crystal Dunn, forward for the Spirit, also talked about the importance of having two teams not attached to an MLS club in the final. “It just shows that there is so much more than just having all the funds and all the benefits of being tied in with an MLS team… We get a really great fan base every week and that’s the important thing.

On the other hand the Western New York Flash forward Makenzy Doniak stated: “We are focused on the final. Everything that happened in Portland during the semifinal is in the past, and now we are just thinking about our match against the Spirit.” Also, the Belgium international and Flash midfielder Janice Cayman said that she is very happy for making it to the championship match. “Everyone in the organization is thrilled about being here. We have been working hard to get to this point, and now we just have to give our best to win the title.”

Local, national, and international media was present to kick off the events surrounding the NWSL Championship in the Space City. After a long and exciting fourth season, Houston and BBVA Compass Stadium are ready to host the Washington Spirit and the Western New York Flash, who will try to finish 2016 as champions.

The final will be aired on FoxS1 starting at 5pm ET.