Denver Summit stuns reigning champ Gotham for first-ever win

Expansion side Denver Summit FC claims 2-0 victory over Gotham FC in NWSL upset

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:20pm

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In a surprising result, the expansion Denver Summit FC defeated reigning NWSL champion Gotham FC 2-0 on Saturday. This was the first-ever win for the Summit, who had previously lost their season opener and tied another match. Denver forwards Melissa Kössler and Natasha Flint scored the goals to secure the upset victory over the defending champions.

Why it matters

The Summit's win over Gotham is an impressive feat for the new NWSL expansion team, showing they can compete with the league's elite clubs. It also raises questions about Gotham's slow start to the season after their championship run in 2025.

The details

After losing their opening game and tying another, the Denver Summit finally broke through with a 2-0 win over Gotham FC. Melissa Kössler opened the scoring in the 58th minute, and Natasha Flint added an insurance goal in the 73rd minute to seal the victory for the expansion side. Summit manager Nick Cushing praised his team's ability to capitalize on their chances against the tough Gotham squad.

  • The Summit lost their season opener against Bay FC.
  • The Summit tied the Orlando Pride in their second match.
  • The Summit defeated Gotham FC 2-0 on March 26, 2026.

The players

Denver Summit FC

The expansion NWSL team based in Denver, Colorado that earned their first-ever win by defeating reigning champion Gotham FC.

Gotham FC

The reigning NWSL champion club that suffered a surprising 2-0 defeat to the expansion Denver Summit FC.

Melissa Kössler

A forward for the Denver Summit who scored the opening goal in the 58th minute to give the expansion side the lead.

Natasha Flint

A forward for the Denver Summit who scored the second goal in the 73rd minute to seal the 2-0 victory over Gotham FC.

Nick Cushing

The manager of the Denver Summit who praised his team's ability to capitalize on their chances against the tough Gotham squad.

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What they’re saying

“We know there's going to be difficult moments, we know there's going to be enjoyable moments — we just want to increase them. And tonight, it's definitely one of those.”

— Nick Cushing, Manager, Denver Summit FC

“We know how the NWSL is — often the team that scores first gets the result. When we've done that, we've won. In the last two games, we haven't been able to do it.”

— Juan Carlos Amorós, Head Coach, Gotham FC

“This team is full of winners at every level, and we're disappointed to be starting the season this way. We expect higher standards from ourselves.”

— Jess Carter, Defender, Gotham FC

What’s next

The Summit have another chance to add to their win total on Saturday in their home debut against the Washington Spirit.

The takeaway

The Denver Summit's stunning upset of reigning NWSL champion Gotham FC shows the expansion side can compete with the league's elite teams. It also raises questions about Gotham's slow start to the season after their championship run in 2025.