Midfielder Paige Metayer and goalkeeper Lyza Bosselmann have both signed new deals with Washington Spirit, extending their time with the team through the 2026 season with an option for 2027, the team announced today.

Both players have just completed their rookie seasons with the Spirit and were signed to shorter term deals. For Bosselmann, today’s agreement will replace one that ran through 2024 with a one-year option, while Metayer’s previous deal was through 2025 with a one-year option.

Arriving in Washington for training camp as an undrafted rookie, Metayer became the story of the early season. She started in nearly every match of 2023, beginning with the season opener, and quickly developed a reputation for excellent positional sense and doggedness. Though largely serving in a defensive midfield role, Metayer scored 3 goals with her head and earned herself the nickname “Air Metayer.”

Spirit GM and President of Soccer Operations Mark Krikorian called Metayer “a vital part of this team’s midfield” in the team’s announcement, adding, “Keeping her with the Spirit is important to the club’s success and we’re looking forward to her continued growth as a professional.” 

Bosselmann was the 28th pick in the 2023 NWSL Draft and served as a back-up to starting goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury and USWNT veteran Nicole Barnhart. Though she’s yet to make her professional debut, Bosselmann had a strong record at Gonzaga University, stopping nearly 80 percent of shots on target, and this contract extension shows a lot of faith in her future development.

“Lyza showed tremendous growth and potential as an NWSL goalkeeper throughout her rookie season,” Krikorian said in the team’s press release. “It was important for us to extend her time with the Spirit as she continues to develop as a professional player.”

Though the Spirit have not yet announced any new players for next season, they’ve been diligent about signing essential squad members to longer-term deals. At this point, they have only two players – Ashley Hatch and Annaïg Butel – whose contracts will end next year without an option. With the team’s coaching situation currently (and seemingly always) in limbo, these extensions signal an interest in creating some continuity, in addition to locking down strong developing talent like Bosselmann and Metayer.