M. Graham (45, pen)
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Denver Summit Starting XI:
Abby Smith, Kaleigh Kurtz, Eva Gaetino, Ayo Oke, Natalie Means, Devin Lynch, Delanie Sheehan, Janine Sonis (C), Natasha Flint, Yazmeen Ryan, Melissa Kössler
Houston Dash Starting XI:
Jane Campbell (C), Leah Klenke, Malia Berkely, Paige Nielsen, Linda Ullmark, Maggie Graham, Danielle Colaprico, Kat Rader, Avery Patterson, Clarissa Larisey, Kate Faasse
Despite a lengthy 90-minute thunderstorm delay, the energy at Shell Energy Stadium remained electric as the Houston Dash and Denver Summit FC put on a masterclass of NWSL action. It was a night of homecoming celebrations, record-breaking milestones, and clinical finishing.
A Historic Milestone and Familiar Faces
The match began with a celebration of Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell, who became the first goalkeeper in NWSL history to reach 200 games with a single club.
Despite the home festivities, the spotlight quickly shifted to the Denver “homecoming” quartet – Janine Sonis, Abby Smith, Yazmeen Ryan, and Delanie Sheehan – all of whom previously suited up for Houston. Denver also handed a milestone to rookie Natalie Means, who earned her first career NWSL start.
First Half: Denver’s Dominance and Houston’s Lifeline
Denver dictated the early pace, breaking the deadlock in the 15th minute. Janine Sonis netted her first goal of the season off a pass from Yazmeen Ryan. In a poetic twist, this was the same stadium where Sonis scored her first career goal as a Dash rookie back in 2016.
The momentum stayed with Summit in the 34th minute as Natasha Flint continued her scorching hot streak, netting her fourth goal of the season and scoring in her third consecutive match.
Houston found a way back just before the break. In the final minute of regulation, Maggie Graham converted a penalty kick – the first Denver has faced all season. Despite 9 minutes of added time, Houston went into the locker room trailing 2-1.
Second Half: Denver Pulls Away
Denver came out of the locker room flying. In the 49th minute, Delanie Sheehan capitalized on a pinpoint pass from Ayo Oke to extend the lead.
The “Ryan-to-Sonis” connection struck again in the 72nd minute, as Sonis completed her brace (her second career brace and first since 2024).
Denver’s 4-1 lead allowed them to rotate heavily, bringing on fresh legs like McCormack, Pickett, Thomas, and Regan. Houston attempted to spark a comeback with a flurry of late substitutions, including Boetting, Erik, and Bright, but the Denver defense held firm through 5 minutes of stoppage time to secure the victory.
Final score:
Denver Summit FC 4 : 1 Houston Dash
