The Spokane Zephyr are on the brink of something special. As they prepare to host Brooklyn FC in their regular-season finale this Saturday at 1 p.m. at ONE Spokane Stadium, the stakes couldn't be higher—and for second-year midfielder Emma Jaskaniec, this moment feels like a second chance.
Jaskaniec was part of the 2024-25 Zephyr squad that came agonizingly close to the playoffs, missing out by just a single point. That season ended in heartbreak when Spokane finished tied with Fort Lauderdale in the USL Super League's inaugural campaign but lost the head-to-head tiebreaker (one win, two losses, three draws). Now, with one game left, history is offering redemption.
"We know what's on the line," Jaskaniec said. "But this team is different. We're bought in."
That buy-in has been fueled by head coach Nicole Lukic, who took over eight games into the season when Spokane sat at 2-2-4. Since then, the Zephyr have gone 7-7-5, climbing to fifth place with a 9-9-9 record and 36 points. Jaskaniec credits Lukic for transforming the team's mindset.
"She gives us so much confidence," Jaskaniec said. "She values us as people, not just players. Knowing your coach has your back makes you want to do everything you can to get three points."
Lukic's impact has been immediate and tangible. Spokane is undefeated at home in their last four matches, including a statement win against top-ranked Sporting JAX and a gritty scoreless draw with Lexington. Last weekend, Jaskaniec delivered a clutch game-winner in the second half against D.C. Power off a corner kick, a goal that eliminated Power and pulled Spokane within one point of fourth-place Dallas Trinity (10-10-7, 37 points).
"There's nothing like scoring a goal in a playoff push," Jaskaniec said.
The Zephyr's formula for success has been defense first. Led by Reese Tappan's team-high 150 clearances, 32 blocks, and 30 interceptions, Spokane has turned its back line into a launching pad for fast-break attacks. That defensive foundation has allowed forward Lena Silano (six goals, four assists) and the attacking front to catch opponents off guard and create scoring opportunities.
With one match left, the Zephyr control their own destiny. A win against Brooklyn FC would keep their playoff hopes alive—and complete a redemption arc that began with last season's one-point heartbreak. For Jaskaniec and her teammates, Saturday isn't just a game. It's a chance to rewrite the story.