The wider picture
Denver Summit FC, the newest expansion team in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), is gearing up for its inaugural home match against Washington Spirit on March 27, 2026. This match marks a significant milestone for the team, which has already made an impact in its early season games. As the 17th different opponent for Washington Spirit in its regular season history, the anticipation surrounding this encounter is palpable.
In its debut match, Denver Summit FC secured a 2-0 victory against Gotham FC, with standout player Melissa Kössler scoring both goals. This strong start has set high expectations for the team as they prepare to host their first game at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. The excitement is further amplified by the fact that over 60,000 tickets have been distributed for the match, which is expected to break the previous NWSL attendance record of 40,091 set in 2025.
Melissa Kössler’s performance has been particularly noteworthy, as she has now scored three goals in the season so far. With a goal in the upcoming match, she could join the ranks of Alex Morgan as just the second player in league history to score in each of her first four matches with a club. This achievement would not only highlight Kössler’s talent but also add to the growing legacy of Denver Summit FC.
However, the team faces challenges as they prepare for this high-stakes match. Juan Carlos Amorós, head coach of Washington Spirit, expressed disappointment following their recent match, stating, “It’s a disappointing night for us with that result at home.” This sentiment reflects the pressure both teams feel as they aim to perform well in front of a record-breaking crowd.
The match will also be significant for the three former Washington Spirit players now on the roster of Denver Summit FC, adding an intriguing layer to the competition. Fans are eager to see how these players will perform against their former team, further intensifying the rivalry.
As the match approaches, observers are keen to see how Denver Summit FC will build on its early success and whether it can maintain its impressive record of 240 minutes without conceding a goal, having allowed only one goal in their last 240 minutes of play. This level of defensive performance will be crucial as they face a determined Washington Spirit squad.
With the match being broadcast nationally on CBS, the spotlight will be on both teams as they compete not just for victory, but also for the honor of setting a new attendance record in the NWSL. The excitement surrounding this event is a testament to the growing popularity of women’s soccer in the United States.
As the inaugural home match for Denver Summit FC approaches, the anticipation continues to build. Fans, players, and officials alike are eager to witness history in the making as the team takes the field for what promises to be an unforgettable evening of soccer.