Denver Summit FC loses inaugural NWSL match after captain's red card

Denver's new women's soccer team falls 2-1 to Bay FC after captain Janine Sonis is ejected in the first half.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 1:03am

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In their inaugural National Women's Soccer League match, Denver Summit FC fell 2-1 to Bay FC after captain Janine Sonis was issued a red card in the first half. Sonis had assisted on Denver's first-ever goal, but her ejection for a hard slide tackle changed the course of the match, allowing Bay FC to score the winning goal four minutes later. Despite a strong effort from goalkeeper Abby Smith, Denver's offense couldn't find the equalizer in the second half.

Why it matters

This loss is a disappointing start for Denver Summit FC, Colorado's new NWSL expansion franchise that has generated significant local excitement. The red card and subsequent Bay FC goal highlighted the challenges of playing a player down, and raised questions about the team's discipline and ability to overcome adversity in their inaugural season.

The details

Denver Summit FC captain Janine Sonis, a local star from Valor Christian, assisted on the team's first-ever goal by Melissa Kössler to tie the match 1-1. But six minutes later, Sonis was issued a red card for a hard slide tackle, forcing Denver to play the rest of the match a player down. Bay FC took advantage, scoring the winning goal just four minutes after Sonis' ejection. Despite several impressive saves from goalkeeper Abby Smith, Denver's offense was unable to find an equalizer in the second half.

  • The match was played on Saturday, March 15, 2026.
  • Janine Sonis was issued a red card in the 26th minute.
  • Bay FC scored the winning goal in the 30th minute, four minutes after Sonis' ejection.

The players

Janine Sonis

The captain of Denver Summit FC and a local star from Valor Christian High School.

Melissa Kössler

The player who scored Denver Summit FC's first-ever goal in the match.

Abby Smith

The goalkeeper for Denver Summit FC who made several impressive saves to keep the match close.

Alex Pfeiffer

The Bay FC player whose hard tackle led to Janine Sonis' red card.

Joelle Anderson

The Bay FC player who scored the winning goal four minutes after Sonis' ejection.

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What they’re saying

“We must learn from this match and come back stronger. This is just the first step in our journey.”

— Janine Sonis, Captain, Denver Summit FC (Denver Post)

What’s next

Denver Summit FC will look to bounce back in their next two road matches against the Orlando Pride (March 20) and Gotham FC (March 25) before returning home to face the Washington Spirit on March 28 in front of a record crowd at Empower Field.

The takeaway

This loss is a tough start for the new Denver Summit FC franchise, but it also highlights the resilience and determination they will need to overcome adversity and build a successful team in their inaugural NWSL season.