Y. Ryan (51)
Watch match Highlights and Press conference
Denver Summit FC’s Pivotal Week at Home
Denver Summit Starting XI
Abby Smith, Ayo Oke, Eva Gaetino, Kaleigh Kurtz, Janine Sonis, Yuna McCormack, Delanie Sheehan, Devin Lynch, Natalie Means, Yazmeen Ryan, Ally Brazier
Utah Royals Starting XI
Mandy McGlynn, Miyabi Moriya, Kate Del Fava, Kaleigh Riehl, Nuria Rábano, Narumi Miura, Ana Tejada, Mina Tanaka, Cecelia Delzer, Kiana Palacios, Cloé Lacasse
Denver Summit FC just wrapped up a highly consequential week of home matches at Centennial Stadium, securing four crucial points and delivering some late-game magic for the home crowd.
Here is how the action unfolded:
Late Goals Against Utah Royals
The week culminated in a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Utah Royals on Saturday night. After a scoreless first half, Yazmeen Ryan broke the deadlock in the 51st minute with her fourth goal of the season and second against Utah. The Royals seemed to have snatched a point when Tatumn Milazzo found a late equalizer in the 89th minute, but Denver refused to settle for a draw. In the fourth minute of stoppage time (90+4′), Janine Sonis netted the game-winner on a free kick to give the Summit all three points.
Janine Sonis Shines
Sonis was one of the standout performers of the week, earning Player of the Match honors against Utah. Not only did she score the dramatic stoppage-time winner, her eighth goal of the season, but she also provided the assist on Ryan’s opening goal. Earlier in the week, she converted a penalty in a 1-1 draw against Boston Legacy FC, continuing a run of exceptional form. The Colorado native has scored in four of Denver’s last five home matches and has a career-best 11 goal contributions on the season.
A Milestone for Kaleigh Kurtz
The home stand was also a landmark moment for Denver’s ironwoman defender, Kaleigh Kurtz. Kurtz celebrated her 150th appearance, a massive achievement that highlights her incredible durability and consistency on the backline. She became the first field player in league history to start every one of her first 150 appearances.
NWSL Standings Impact
Coming into this week, Denver was at 19 points, battling for positioning in the lower half of the table. By taking four out of a possible nine points at home, they have bumped their tally up to 23 points. As the season heats up and the margins remain incredibly tight, these hard-fought points are exactly what they need to spark a climb up the NWSL standings.
Looking Ahead
Denver Summit FC is back on the road for their next two matches, heading to California to face San Diego Wave FC on August 14, followed by a trip to the Pacific Northwest to take on Portland Thorns FC on August 22.
The team returns to Centennial Stadium on Saturday, August 29, to host Chicago Stars FC. Don’t miss out on the action, secure your tickets for August 29 and come cheer on the Summit!
