Denver, Colo.- With their 2-1 loss to Bay FC now behind them, Denver Summit FC has regrouped and are now in Orlando to take on the versatile Orlando Pride. Their intent is take another step to become a competitive cohesive unit, earn valuable points and buoy their confidence ahead of a massive home debut on March 28. It’s Friday Night Fútbol in NWSL.
Against Pride, Denver will be without captain Janine Sonis. The attacking fullback was cited with a red card early in the match in San Jose after VAR review. Her teammates fought valiantly for 65 minutes, however, could not mount a goal scoring attack to claim a tie.
“I didn’t think it was a red card. I don’t think anyone thought it was a red card until it was reviewed,” Denver Summit Head Coach Nick Cushing said postgame.
“There was no malicious intent.”
On a more positive note, Cushing added, “We can take away the effort and the togetherness. We said at half time, stay in the game. We’ll get some chances. Unfortunately, we didn’t get any chances. Pleased but disappointed. It’s so tough to play for 65 minutes with ten players.”
Denver made a total of 5 attempts to score, two were on target. The first was a goal in the 20th minute. The second was in 96th minute.
German national Melissa Kössler scored the lone goal for Denver, a first ever for the club. She is now in the Denver Summit history book.
Denver’s star of the match was goalkeeper, Abby Smith. The two-time NWSL champion, countered Bay FC’s attacks with several brilliant saves, and continues to reinforce her rank as the team’s number one goalkeeper. Will she keep her starting spot over the French national team star Pauline Peyraud-Magnin, who is now with the team?
Orlando lost 2-1 at home to Seattle Reign FC in their season opener last Sunday. Head Coach Seb Hines’ starting XI was filled with young, yet adaptable players who stepped up to cover eight injured seniors. Many filled field positions that they had not played in previously. To their credit, they launched 19 attempts to score, of which eight were on target.
Of note, several of Orlando’s injured players may miss the Denver match. At the same time, Cushing will have a full roster to select from.
Summit made three signings this week to bolster the depth. The club acquired midfielder Delanie Sheehan and striker Yazmeen Ryan from Houston Dash, along with $150,000 in 2026 allocation funds. Houston received $800,000 in transfer fee threshold funds, $200,000 in expansion allocation funds, with conditionals up to $200,000. The two were teammates at Gotham FC for their back-to-back championships in 2023-24. Both have been regular starters. Ryan had 4 goals and 3 assists last season. She played in one game for the USWNT in 2026.
Summit have also signed versatile Japan national Yuzuki Yamamoto on a two-year deal with a mutual option for 2028. She can also play fullback. Last season, she was named league MVP with 8 goals and 6 assists in 22 appearances. Tokyo Verdy Beleza won the WE League championship. She made her senior national team debut in 2025 as well.
Two of Denver’s current players were former members of the Pride SC. Orlando fan favorites, Ally Brazier and Carson Pickett were with the club in 2024. They were critical components during the team’s sprint to win the NWSL Championship.
How to Watch and Follow
Match Time: 6 p.m. MT
Venue: Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, Florida
TV: The Spot Denver 3
Streaming: Victory+
Denver Watch Events: Number Thirty Eight, DNVR, 99ers, TrashHawk Tavern, Lady justice Brewing Company
Social Media: @BurgundyWave @denversummitfc
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Matt Pollard 