Washington Spirit Midfielder Paige Metayer Named NWSL Rookie of the Month
Washington Spirit | July 6, 2023
Metayer recognized as the best first-year player in the NWSL during June competition
Washington, D.C. (07/06/2023) – Washington Spirit midfielder Paige Metayer has been named the NWSL Rookie of the Month, presented by Ally, for the month of June, the league announced today.
Metayer played a key role in two game-changing goals for the Spirit in June, both in wins. During the side’s June 10 match against Angel City FC, Metayer assisted on midfielder Ashley Sanchez’s game-winning goal while, in the side’s June 18 match in Kansas City, she tallied her third goal of the season off a header to draw the Spirit even with the Current.
Undrafted out of the University of California this past offseason, Metayer has played 1,150 minutes in 13 regular season matches in 2023, including eight full-90 performances. Since earning a starting spot to kick off the season, Metayer has cemented herself as a mainstay of the Spirit midfield, playing alongside the likes of longtime U.S. Women’s National Team player Andi Sullivan and fellow Spirit newcomer Inès Jaurena most of the 2023 season thus far.
The NWSL Rookie of the Month is selected each month of the regular season by the NWSL Media Association, a collection of writers that cover the league on a consistent basis, and the NWSL’s on-air broadcast talent. Metayer’s win for June 2023 comes after Angel City FC forward Alyssa Thompson and NJ/NY Gotham FC midfielder Jenna Nighswonger earned the honors for March/April and May, respectively.
The Spirit’s next home match will take place on Friday, July 28 when the team takes on east coast rival NJ/NY Gotham FC as part of the 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup. The club announced earlier this offseason that all 14 home matches will be played for the first time at Audi Field in Buzzard Point, ensuring players and fans alike access to a facility befitting a professional club. Fans can secure tickets now to all remaining 2023 home matches with a prorated season membership. Available here, the season membership grants fans access to priority seating, an exclusive Trinity Rodman bobblehead, invitations to special events throughout the season and more. Single game tickets are also on sale now.
About The Washington Spirit
The Washington Spirit is the professional women’s soccer team based at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. Launched in 2012, the Spirit plays in the National Women’s Soccer League, the premier women’s soccer competition in North America. For more information about the Spirit, visit WashingtonSpirit.com and follow the club on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
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