Mon. Mar 9th, 2026
Nick Cushing media scrum Denver Summit Coachella Valley Invitational
Photo Credit: John Babiak

Indio, Calif. – Denver Summit wrapped up three intense days of training at their in temporary Glendale, Colorado facility on Friday. They now head out for their first preseason tournament.

The energetic team and complete coaching staff departed for Palm Springs, California to participate in the annual Coachella Valley Invitational Tournament (CVI) in nearby Indio.

Eight other NWSL clubs will be joining Summit- San Diego Wave, Utah Royals, Angel City and Seattle Reign, in addition to, Bay FC, Houston Dash, Portland Thorns and the Kansas City Current.

All games will be played at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. The Empire Club will be a familiar venue for Cushing. He took MLS side New York City FC to Coachella in 2023 and 2024.

Denver will intially face-off with Utah this Sunday, and then San Diego on Sunday, February 21. They will return to Denver and resume preseason training on February 23.

Ahead of the team’s departure, head coach, Nick Cushing, put his team through high tempo drills and scrimmages in hopes of preparing the players to compete his way-  with a possession-mind and fast attacking style. Cushing is certain that his methods along with the players around him will create chances, and be entertaining for the club’s over-the-top fan base.

Cushing also announced his full coach staff that includes Angela Salem, Karen Bardsley and Alan Mahon.

According to the CVI website, first edition of the tournament was held in February 2022 and featured clubs from Major League Soccer, MLS Next Pro, and the USL Championship. It was expanded to include National Women’s Soccer League teams in the 2024.

The tournament was developed and operated by AEG, The Coachella Valley Invitational is the largest preseason event in North American professional soccer history.

This year the three week event will feature 12 MLS clubs and the nine above mentioned NWSL clubs.

Between matches, the teams will capitalize on available time and the on-site facilities to bond, train and hold organizational meetings.

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By John Babiak

Coloradan w/a passion for photojournalism Contributing to VOX•SI•NFL•Mile High Sports Proud Dad•Humanitarian•BallroomDancer• Jester•Heart Transplant Recipient

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