Centennial, Colo.- Six Denver Summit FC players represented their respective national teams during the October international window, gaining valuable experience as they continue preparations for upcoming international competitions.
Lindsay Heaps, Janine Sonis, Emma Regan, Yuzuki Yamamoto, Melissa Kossler, and Ayo Oke appeared for their international teams, highlighting the impact of Denver Summit in their inaugural NWSL season.
Lindsay Heaps, USWNT
Heaps represented the USWNT for their two friendlies against World Champions, Spain, on Oct. 10 and Oct. 13.
The Denver Summit captain started in both games, contributing key minutes and preparation in both matches. She performed well in the midfield, but the USWNT suffered defeat in the first friendly 2-0. On Oct. 13, the U.S. was able to earn a 2-2 draw. Heaps played just over an hour in each game.
Heaps has been an important leader for the U.S. and she will be key in their buildup to the World Cup. Matches against Spain and other elite international teams are critical for this U.S. squad.
Janine Sonis and Emma Regan, Canada Women’s National Team
Sonis and Regan have been critical players for Denver Summit in their inaugural season. They both represented Canada on the international stage for their friendlies against Denmark on Oct. 9 and Oct. 13.
Canada suffered defeat in both matches. They lost in the first match on penalties and 4-3 in the second match. The matches served as important preparation for the upcoming World Cup. Sonis started both games, recording an assist in the 4-3 match and played 63 minutes in the 1-1 draw. Regan played 16 minutes off the bench and then a half in the second match.
Sonis and Regan both featured for Canada, adding important minutes and contributions. Regan and Sonis have been critical for the Denver Summit, and were able to represent the Summit on an international stage.
Yuzuki Yamamoto, Japan
Yamamoto was selected for Japan’s friendlies against Haiti and Germany on Oct. 9 and Oct. 13. Her appearances give her further opportunities to strengthen her case for a place in Japan’s future international plans.
Yamamoto continues to show her reliability on the international stage, and is looking ahead to impact more for Japan. Japan beat Haiti 5-1 before losing to Germany 2-1. Yamamoto played the full 90, starting out of position against Haiti and went 82 minutes against Germany.
The international games serve as important minutes for Yamamoto, as she continues to attempt to get into the final World Cup roster.
Melissa Kössler, Germany
Kössler was selected to appear for Germany in their friendlies against Australia and Japan. She had one of the most impactful windows, scoring a brace and earning player of the match against Australia.
She’s had a productive season in the NWSL, and MK found her feet during the international break. It was her first international goal for Germany.
Germany was able to win both matches against Australia and Japan. Kössler played 114 minutes across the two games. A goal contribution every 38 minutes, pretty good.
Her goals provided a positive moment as she looks to carry her international form back into the Summit’s remaining NWSL fixtures.
Ayo Oke, USWNT U-23
Oke was selected for the U-23 USWNT training camp and friendly against the Dominican Republic.
She’s been a standout young defender for the Denver Summit this year, starting nearly every game and impacting defense and attack. The U-23 selection recognizes her potential as a player and in her development.
She started in the U-23’s 5-0 against the Domincan Republic in their first friendly.
Oke featured in the friendlies against the Dominican Republic and displayed her skill. She’ll be one to watch for future international opportunities.
With the Summit preparing to return to NWSL play amid a playoff push, the six international call-ups highlight the talent within the club’s inaugural-season squad.
Denver will look to carry that experience into the final stretch of the regular season. On Saturday they host Angel City in a playoff six-pointer. Kickoff is 6:45 p.m. MT.
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Matt Pollard 