Melissa Kössler and Natasha Flint each scored as the expansion Denver Summit secured a 2-0 victory over Gotham FC on Wednesday night, marking the club’s inaugural win in the National Women’s Soccer League.
The match took place in New Jersey, where the Summit’s strong performance overshadowed Gotham’s limited attack, as the home team managed only one shot on target during the first half.
Game Highlights
Kössler opened the scoring in the 57th minute, receiving a well-placed pass from Yuna McCormack. Her decisive inside-out run allowed her to evade the defender, and she found the back of the net with a shot aimed at the left side.
In the 72nd minute, Flint added a second goal after capitalizing on a misplay by Gotham goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, who was attempting to clear the ball.
Other NWSL Matches
In additional NWSL action, the Orlando Pride defeated the Chicago Stars 3-0, while the Seattle Reign triumphed over the Kansas City Current 3-0 in Spokane, Washington. The San Diego Wave also secured a 3-1 victory against the Portland Thorns, and the Utah Royals ended their match against the Washington Spirit in a 1-1 draw.
Trinity Rodman Sets NWSL Record
Trinity Rodman, at 23 years old, became the youngest player in NWSL history to reach 100 regular-season appearances, joining only five others in Washington Spirit history to achieve this milestone. The previous record was held by Sam Kerr, who reached the mark at 25 in 2019.
In the match between Washington and Utah, the Spirit initially led after an early goal from Rebeca Bernal in the 18th minute, but a late equalizer from Utah’s Mina Tanaka resulted in a 1-1 draw.
Reign’s Continued Struggles
Angharad James-Turner made a notable impact in her first start for the Reign, scoring in the 18th minute during their match in Spokane, where the team is currently playing three games due to ongoing preparations at Lumen Field for the upcoming World Cup.
The Current, who only allowed 13 goals last season, have already conceded six goals in their first three games of the current season. Seattle outshot the Current 12-2 in the first half, with James-Turner scoring from an early corner kick, followed by assists from Huerta to Brittany Ratcliffe and Maddie Mercado.
Portland Thorns’ First Loss
The San Diego Wave handed the Portland Thorns their first loss of the season, leaving only Angel City and the Houston Dash undefeated. The Wave scored within two minutes as Dudinha struck from inside the 18-yard box.
Portland equalized shortly after when Pietra Tordin followed up on her shot that hit the post. However, San Diego maintained pressure and secured their victory with a third goal from Melanie Barcenas in the 82nd minute.
Orlando Pride’s Dominance
The Orlando Pride showcased their offensive strength by scoring three goals in the first half against the Chicago Stars, marking the latter’s second consecutive shutout loss this season. Barbara Banda initiated the scoring in the 13th minute, netting her third goal in three games.
Following her, Jacqueline Ovalle added a second goal, and Hannah Anderson, who joined from the Stars in the offseason, scored her first career goal in the 35th minute.