Centennial, Colo – Following a decisive victory against the Chicago Stars, Denver will look to continue the magic against Gotham. Against Chicago, Yuzuki Yamamoto and Olivia Thomas scored their first NWSL goals. Meanwhile, Gotham drew with Portland in a match they should have put away. Here’s three things to look for as the Summit looks to face off against Gotham FC.
Denver Summit vs Gotham FC
Gotham’s Previous Result: 1-1 Draw vs Portland Thorns
Summit’s Previous Result: 6-1 Win vs Chicago Stars
Previous Face to Face Result: 2-0 Win for Denver Summit
When: Sunday, September 6th at 12 PM MT
Where: Centennial Stadium, Centennial, Colorado
TV/Streaming: CBS and Paramount Plus
Player Availability
Player availability could certainly play a role in Sunday’s game. Although Denver previously defeated Gotham in New Jersey back in March, the teams are very different from who they were then, partly due to injuries.
On the Denver side, Abby Smith will not return to play. Smith practiced on Friday in a limited capacity but is reportedly unavailable. Ally Brazier is also likely to be unavailable as she was seen at practice working out separately from the team. While less key, losing out on Brazier as an option will definitely limit Cushing.
Eva Gaetino will remain out for Sunday but center back Gemma Bonner will return to availability. Against Chicago, Megan Reid filled in for Gaetino and was solid with a 93% pass completion rate. In the lone conceded goal, Reid cannot be held liable for a truly unlucky goal. Meanwhile, Bonner’s return will absolutely be a relief for Nick Cushing as it leaves the team with a backup center back should either starter require a substitute. Although Bonner has not yet clocked minutes for the Summit, she has spent time in the NWSL on Racing Louisville and in the WSL.
One of the biggest losses for Gotham FC this season has been the season-ending injury of USWNT defender Emily Sonnett. Sonnett’s injury occurred back in July, so Gotham has had plenty of time to adjust, but the defense is still not nearly the same without her. Jess Carter, Sonnett’s replacement, is better suited as a fullback rather than a centerback. She has also been known to make dangerous turnovers — something Summit should look to take advantage of. Fullback Kayla Duran also sustained a knee injury after a great start to the season — her replacement Mandy Freeman is one of the weakest in their starting lineup. Between Carter and Freeman, Summit should look to pressure that side of the defense to create mistakes.
There remain two important players whose availability remains uncertain: Rose Lavelle and Jordyn Dudley. Lavelle is well known for her acumen, creativity, and flair that she brings to every team she’s on. For Gotham specifically, some of the advantages she offers are elevating their possession-based offense and drawing defenders out of position. Lavelle suffered a head injury in August and has not returned. The club has expressed a desire to not rush her back to play, so it’s unlikely she will suit up against Denver.
Meanwhile, Jordyn Dudley has been one of the best rookies in the NWSL this year. Dudley has five goal contributions and has been especially key at drawing the foul in dangerous areas. Dudley went down multiple times in Gotham’s last match and ultimately had to be substituted. Although the injury did not seem significant, the club may also err on the side of caution with her health. Fans should pay attention as availability reports get released on Saturday for updates.
Key Threats
The top threats the Summit should be concerned with are Jaedyn Shaw, Sam Kerr, Jaelin Howell, and the overall speed advantage of Gotham.
USWNT player Jaedyn Shaw has been in incredible form for Gotham since joining them late last year. She currently leads the team in goals (six) and is tied for assists (four). However, Shaw is too frequently dispossessed for a center midfielder and less fast than some of her counterparts. Summit’s defense will look to pressure her hard to force turnovers.
Former Golden Boot Winner Sam Kerr’s reputation precedes her. Although Kerr may be less lethal nowadays, she still remains dangerous, especially as an aerial threat. She has recorded three goals and one assist since joining the club after the break. Kerr’s biggest weakness is that she infrequently contributes in defense unlike some strikers who will track back to win back possession. Summit can count on her to stay nice and high on the field.
MAC Hermann winner Jaelin Howell plays an integral piece of the Gotham midfield. Although not typically an offensive threat, the defensive midfielder is essential at winning duels and shutting or slowing down the counterattack. Thankfully, the Summit rarely attempt to score quickly on the counter and instead prefer a slow and steady buildup. Howell often can be counted on to commit many fouls, including committing the foul resulting in Portland’s game-tying PK. If Summit can draw the foul off Howell in key areas they can create opportunities for Sonis to score off a set piece (Sonis for MVP!).
Offensive Execution
Last Saturday, Denver broke through their scoring woes against Chicago and racked up six goals. Tash Flint and Melissa Kossler specifically broke through their offensive struggles. Both scored their first goals since the break – Kossler with a brace, and Flint with a goal and an assist.
While Sonis was consistent as always with a clean back post goal, the goals of Olivia Thomas and Yuzuki Yamamoto were also exciting. Thomas outraced the Chicago defense in a mad sprint across half the field. She avoided an attempted foul to record her first ever NWSL goal at a point in the game where many would have called it a night. Meanwhile, Yuzuki had a breakout performance, proving why she has recently been called up to the Japanese national team. The 23 year old had one goal and one assist. Now that the potential of these league newcomers has translated to the scoreboard, fans can rest assured this won’t be the last they see of them.
Overall, Summit was highly effective in their scoring. The team scored above the expected goals with six goals compared to their 3.37 xG. Essentially this means that despite only generating an expected 3.37 xG, the team was able to make the most of every chance.
Meanwhile, Gotham has recently struggled to score. Against Portland, they possessed 74% of the game but had less xG than Portland, scoring their lone goal off of an attempted cross. In the past five games, Gotham has scored five goals while Summit has scored nine. The game will definitely come down to who can put goals in the net.
Ultimately, Gotham should still not be underestimated. The squad has not lost in ten games, since July 4th to San Diego Wave. Denver will look to break the streak and win out.
John Babiak 
Matt Pollard 