Denver Summit breaks NWSL attendance record in home opener

Expansion team Denver Summit earns first-ever club win against Gotham FC

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:08pm

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The Denver Summit expansion team earned their first-ever NWSL club win on the road against Gotham FC, while also announcing they will break the league's attendance record with over 50,000 tickets sold for their home opener at Mile High Stadium this weekend.

Why it matters

The Summit's early success as an expansion team is an encouraging sign for the growth and competitiveness of the NWSL. Their ability to draw a record-breaking crowd also highlights the increasing popularity of women's professional soccer in the United States.

The details

In their midweek match against Gotham FC, the Summit capitalized on mistakes by the defending champions to secure a 2-0 victory. German international Melissa Kössler continued her strong start to the season by scoring for the Summit, while goalkeeper Abby Smith made key saves against her former club.

  • The Summit earned their first-ever NWSL win on Wednesday, March 27, 2026.
  • The Summit will host their home opener at Mile High Stadium on Saturday, March 29, 2026, which is expected to break the NWSL attendance record with over 50,000 tickets sold.

The players

Denver Summit

The Denver Summit is an expansion team that joined the NWSL in 2026. They are looking to make an immediate impact in the league.

Melissa Kössler

A German international who has been a key contributor for the Denver Summit, scoring in three consecutive matches to start the season.

Abby Smith

The Summit's goalkeeper, who made important saves against her former club Gotham FC in the team's midweek victory.

Gotham FC

The defending NWSL champions, who suffered a 2-0 loss to the expansion Denver Summit.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty thousand fans at our home opener is an incredible milestone for this club and the NWSL. We're thrilled to be able to bring that level of excitement and support to women's soccer in Denver.”

— Abby Smith, Goalkeeper, Denver Summit

What’s next

The Denver Summit will look to build on their first-ever NWSL win when they host their highly anticipated home opener at Mile High Stadium on Saturday, March 29, 2026, which is expected to break the league's attendance record.

The takeaway

The early success of the Denver Summit expansion team, both on the field and in drawing record crowds, is a testament to the growing popularity and competitiveness of the NWSL. As the league continues to expand, teams like the Summit are proving they can make an immediate impact and challenge the established powers.