Ovechkin, Capitals Cheer On Washington Spirit In NWSL Championship

Another Washington pro sports team is vying for a championship, and Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin is behind them.

The Washington Spirit will square off with the Chicago Red Stars for the National Women’s Soccer League title on Saturday at noon. It will be the Spirit’s first final appearance in five years.

Ovechkin joined the team’s ownership group on May 10, along with his wife Nastya Ovechkina and 11 other business and community leaders. The 36-year-old is a long-time fan of soccer and supporter of women’s sports. His mother, Tatyana, is a two-time Olympic gold medalist in basketball.

With the Capitals currently in the throes of a West Coast swing, Ovechkin took the time to voice his support for the D.C. women’s soccer club.

“Congrats Washington Spirit. To make a championship, it’s only one step. Let’s make another one – a big one,” Ovechkin said in a Twitter shoutout. “We’re cheering for you, let’s go.”

Cheering for the @WashSpirit in the NWSL Final from Cali today!

One more big step, bring the 🏆 home#ALLCAPS x #RiseUpDC pic.twitter.com/0uNumw5yRz

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) November 20, 2021

If Washington does win, it would be the District’s first top-flight women’s pro soccer team to claim a championship since the Freedom won the 2003 Women’s United Soccer Association title.

READ MORE ON WHN: Capitals Reflect On Ovechkin’s Continued Greatness

Over the last few seasons, D.C. has emerged into a city of champions. It started when Ovechkin and the Capitals hoisted their first-ever Stanley Cup in 2018. After that, the Washington Nationals and Washington Mystics both captured rings in 2019, with the Nats winning the World Series and the Mystics winning the WNBA title. If the Spirit win, it’ll be Washington’s fourth championship in three years.