Y. Ryan (14)
Watch match Highlights and Press conference
Denver Summit Starting XI
Abby Smith, Ayo Oke, Megan Reid, Kaleigh Kurtz, Janine Sonis, Devin Lynch, Emma Regan, Yazmeen Ryan, Delanie Sheehan, Ally Brazier, Olivia Thomas
Houston Dash Starting XI
Jane Campbell, Cate Hardin, Paige Nielsen, Leah Klenke, Lisa Boattin, Linda Ullmark, Danielle Colaprico, Sarah Puntigam, Maggie Graham, Kalyssa van Zanten, Kat Rader
Denver Summit FC played to a hard-fought 2-2 draw against the Houston Dash on Sunday evening at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, in a match where the home side dominated the stat sheet but had to battle both a stubborn opponent and punishing conditions, ultimately settling for a single point.
Match Summary
Under a blazing 93°F sun, the heat on the pitch was palpable from the opening whistle. Summit managed to strike first despite the sweltering conditions, opening the scoring in the 14th minute when Yazmeen Ryan found the back of the net off a feed from Janine Sonis. The celebration was short-lived, however, as Houston’s Kat Rader equalized just a minute later.
Denver regained the momentum right before the halftime whistle. Sonis stepped up and buried a penalty kick deep into first-half stoppage time (45+3′), giving the Summit a 2-1 advantage heading into the locker room. Houston leveled the match once again when Linda Ullmark scored in the 48th minute.
Dominance Thwarted by Jane Campbell
From a statistical standpoint, Denver controlled the narrative. The Summit dominated possession (57% to 43%) and generated a staggering 26 total shots to Houston’s 9, alongside a superior 2.86 expected goals (xG). They also recorded 33 touches in the opposition box compared to the Dash’s 11.
So, why only a draw? The answer largely lies with Houston goalkeeper Jane Campbell. Campbell delivered a standout performance in the suffocating heat, turning away numerous Denver chances. Her veteran presence in net proved to be the ultimate difference-maker, keeping the Dash in a game that Denver otherwise commanded.
The Return of Tash Flint
One of the brightest spots of the evening for the Summit was the return of Tash Flint. Entering the match in the 62nd minute for Emma Regan to provide fresh legs in the heavy air, Flint’s presence gave a welcome boost to the squad’s attacking options and depth as they head into a crucial stretch of the season.
NWSL Standings & Playoff Stakes
In the incredibly tight race of the 2026 NWSL season, every point is magnified.
With this draw, Denver Summit FC earns a point but misses out on a prime opportunity to grab all three against a Houston side sitting just below them in the table. Denver currently hovers around 11th place with 17 points, putting them agonizingly close to the all-important top-8 playoff line (with teams like the Orlando Pride and Angel City FC sitting just a few points ahead).
The anticipation is electric as the Summit prepares to christen our new home at Centennial Stadium! Mark your calendars for July 18, as we kick off our historic inaugural match against the Portland Thorns in what promises to be a landmark night for the club!
