Denver Summit FC achieved a momentous milestone by clinching their first-ever victory in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), stunning the reigning champions, Gotham FC, with a 2-0 triumph. This inaugural win on Wednesday in Harrison, N.J., was highlighted by stellar performances from Melissa Kossler and Natasha Flint, who each netted a goal. This significant upset not only secured three crucial points for the Summit but also broke Gotham FC's impressive record of not conceding any goals in their prior matches this season, underscoring the competitive spirit and emerging talent within the league.
The match, held on March 25, 2026, saw Denver Summit FC, a new entrant to the NWSL, make an indelible mark. Melissa Kossler distinguished herself by becoming only the second player in the league's history to score in her team's first three regular-season matches during an inaugural season. Her opening goal in the 58th minute came from a perfectly timed through ball from Yuna McCormack, skillfully bypassing Gotham's German goalkeeper, Ann-Katrin Berger. This goal set the tone for the Summit's offensive drive.
Later in the second half, specifically 15 minutes after Kossler's opener, Natasha Flint capitalized on an error by Berger, expertly chipping the ball into the net to extend Denver Summit's lead to 2-0. This decisive goal cemented the victory for the Summit, bringing their season record to 1-1-1 with 4 points. The narrative of the game also featured former Gotham goalkeeper Abby Smith, who, now playing for Denver, secured her first clean sheet for her new team with four crucial saves, adding a layer of personal triumph to the club's historic win. Additionally, former Gotham players Yazmeen Ryan and Delanie Sheehan also competed against their former squad, further intensifying the rivalry.
The match also saw the return of Denver captain Janine Sonis, who had missed the previous draw against Orlando. Her presence bolstered the team's defense, contributing to their overall solid performance. The goals scored by Kossler and Flint were particularly noteworthy as they were the first conceded by Gotham FC, who had previously maintained clean sheets in their opening two matches, showcasing the Summit's ability to penetrate even the most formidable defenses.
In other NWSL action, the Utah Royals managed to secure their first point of the season with a 1-1 draw against the Washington Spirit. Mina Tanaka, coming off the bench, scored the equalizer in the 84th minute for Utah, while Rebeca Bernal had initially put Washington ahead. The Royals' goalkeeper, Mia Justus, made five critical saves, including two against Trinity Rodman. Meanwhile, the Orlando Pride achieved their first victory of the season, dominating Chicago 3-0. Barbra Banda continued her impressive form, scoring her third goal in three matches, and Lizbeth Ovalle contributed significantly with a goal and an assist, leading the Pride to a strong win. Chicago's team, the Stars, faced a tough home opener without Jordyn Huitema due to injury.
The NWSL round-up on this day was characterized by significant events and standout performances across the league. From Denver Summit's unprecedented win against a top-tier opponent to critical draws and dominant victories, the matches demonstrated the growing intensity and talent within women's professional soccer. These outcomes are crucial as teams vie for position early in the season, setting the stage for what promises to be a captivating year in the NWSL.
