NWSL: Denver Summit knock off defending champ Gotham for 1st win

Denver Summit FC celebrated a milestone in club history on Wednesday, stunning defending champions Gotham FC 2-0 in Harrison, New Jersey.

Melissa Kossler became just the second player in league history to score in a team’s first three regular-season matches during its inaugural season. She opened the scoring in the 58th minute, receiving a long through ball from Yuna McCormack and beating Gotham goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger. Fifteen minutes later, forward Natasha Flint capitalized on an indecisive Berger to chip the ball into the net and secure the victory for Denver (1-1-1, 4 points).

Former Gotham goalkeeper Abby Smith started for Denver and earned her first clean sheet with four saves. Yazmeen Ryan and Delanie Sheehan also returned to face their former club. Denver captain Janine Sonis was back in the lineup after serving a suspension from her club debut. Notably, Kossler’s and Flint’s goals marked the first goals Gotham had conceded this season, ending Berger’s clean sheet streak from the first two matches.

Royals 1, Spirit 1

Utah secured its first point of the season with a late equalizer against host Washington. Mina Tanaka came off the bench to score in the 84th minute, assisted by Cece Delzer.

Rebeca Bernal had opened the scoring for Washington (0-1-2, 2 points) with a header off a deflected strike from Sofia Cantore. Royals goalkeeper Mia Justus made five key saves, including two from Trinity Rodman, while Sandy MacIver recorded three saves for the Spirit. Utah now has 1 point (0-2-1).

Pride 3, Stars 0

Orlando Pride earned its first win of the season, beating Chicago 3-0 in Evanston, Illinois. Barbra Banda continued her hot start, scoring in the 13th minute with an assist from Ally Lemos. Lizbeth Ovalle added a stunning backheel goal in the 22nd minute and later assisted Hannah Anderson’s strike in the 35th minute.

Chicago (1-2-0, 3 points) struggled without forward Jordyn Huitema, who was sidelined with a hip injury. The Stars also played their home opener at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium.

Reign 3, Current 0

Seattle Reign extended their winning streak with a commanding 3-0 victory over Kansas City in Spokane, Washington. Sofia Huerta, now holding the NWSL all-time assists record, set up Seattle’s second and third goals. Angharad James-Turner opened the scoring in the 18th minute, followed by Huerta assisting Brittany Ratcliffe in the 26th minute. Maddie Mercado completed the rout with a strong header off another Huerta cross in the 33rd minute.

Claudia Dickey earned her first clean sheet of the season with three saves. The Reign avenged their previous 2-0 loss to Kansas City, which had clinched the 2025 NWSL Shield. Seattle improves to 2-1-0, while KC falls to 1-2-0.

Wave 3, Thorns 1

San Diego Wave triumphed over Portland Thorns 3-1 in their first matchup since Portland’s 2025 NWSL quarterfinal victory. Rookie Lia Godfrey scored the game-winner, her second professional goal, in the 82nd minute. Dudinha opened the scoring for the Wave in the 2nd minute before Portland’s Pietra Tordin equalized.

Leah Freeman continued in goal for San Diego, recording three saves for her second consecutive clean sheet. Portland’s Morgan Messner made eight stops but could not prevent the defeat. San Diego now sits at 2-1-0, matching Portland’s record.

Denver Summit FC’s historic win and the NWSL’s early-season action set the stage for an exciting 2026 campaign.

—Field Level Media/Reuters