M. Kössler (16)
Denver Summit Starting XI:
Abby Smith, Carson Pickett, Kaleigh Kurtz, Megan Reid, Ayo Oke, Devin Lynch, Delanie Sheehan, Janine Sonis(c), Yazmeen Ryan, Natasha Flint, Melissa Kössler
San Diego Wave Starting XI:
Leah Freeman, Perle Morroni, Kristen McNabb, Kennedy Wesley, Amelia Donna Van Zanten, Laurina Fazer, Kenza Dali, Lia Godfrey, Kimmi Ascanio, Ludmila, Dudinha
The Denver Summit’s unbeaten streak came to an emotional end at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park as San Diego Wave FC secured a 3-2 comeback victory, extending their own club-record winning streak to five matches.
First Half: Summit Ascending
The match began with a historic milestone for Denver’s Kaleigh Kurtz, who logged her 120th consecutive NWSL game. The Summit, controlled the early tempo with 53% possession.
The breakthrough came in the 15th minute when Melissa Kössler slotted home a pass from Yazmeen Ryan, marking the first home goal in Denver Summit history.
Despite several dangerous responses from San Diego, league save-leader Abby Smith (who finished the night with 26 total saves) maintained the lead with crucial stops in the 22nd and 25th minutes. Denver doubled their advantage in the 32nd minute when Kössler turned playmaker, finding Natasha Flint for a clinical finish.
Second Half: Wave Surge
The momentum shifted drastically after the break as San Diego dominated possession (63% to 37%). The comeback began in the 49th minute with a goal from Lia Godfrey. Tensions rose shortly after as both Ayo Oke and Kaleigh Kurtz picked up yellow cards in quick succession.
The Wave found their equalizer in the 57th minute when Kennedy Wesley converted a header off a corner kick. The comeback was completed in the 65th minute in heartbreaking fashion for the home fans; a strike from Dudinha deflected off defender Carson Pickett for an own goal, giving San Diego a 3-2 lead.
Closing Stages
Denver manager responded with a triple substitution in the 72nd minute, bringing on Olivia Thomas, Eva Gaetino, and Emma Regan to find a spark.
In the 85th minute, the Summit gave a NWSL debut to Yuzuki Yamamoto, replacing Flint in a final push for an equalizer. Despite five minutes of added time and a valiant effort from the Summit’s young core, San Diego’s veteran presence held firm to secure the three points.
Final Score: Denver Summit 2, San Diego Wave 3
It’s time to regroup and rally together. After a tough result on April 25th, there’s no better way to move forward than by filling DICK’S Sporting Goods Park with the community that keeps this team going. Join us on Saturday, May 16, at 6:45 PM MDT as Denver Summit FC takes on the Orlando Pride. It is also our Pride Night, a chance to set aside the scoreboard for a moment and celebrate the inclusion and diversity that define our club. Let’s show the players that we’re behind them through every high and low—get your tickets here and help us reclaim our home turf together.