Denver Summit FC hosts Washington Spirit in NWSL home opener

New Colorado club kicks off inaugural season at iconic Empower Field

Mar. 29, 2026 at 12:39am

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Denver Summit FC, the newest expansion team in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), hosted the Washington Spirit in their first-ever home match at Empower Field at Mile High on Saturday, March 28, 2026. The highly anticipated home opener marked the start of the club's inaugural season in the top-tier women's professional soccer league.

Why it matters

The arrival of the NWSL in Denver represents a major milestone for women's sports in Colorado, providing a new professional pathway for local talent and giving fans a chance to support a homegrown team. The match at the iconic Empower Field, home of the NFL's Broncos, also showcases the growing popularity and prominence of the NWSL.

The details

Denver Summit FC, led by head coach Alex Morgan, took on the veteran Washington Spirit squad in front of a capacity crowd at Empower Field. Despite the nerves of the home opener, the Summit held their own, with standout performances from rookie forward Samantha Mewis and veteran midfielder Lindsey Horan. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with the Summit earning a valuable point in their first-ever home game.

  • The match took place on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
  • Denver Summit FC's inaugural NWSL season kicked off the previous week on March 21.

The players

Denver Summit FC

The newest expansion team in the National Women's Soccer League, making their home debut at Empower Field at Mile High.

Washington Spirit

One of the original NWSL franchises, the Spirit are a veteran team visiting Denver for the Summit's home opener.

Alex Morgan

The head coach of Denver Summit FC, leading the new club in their inaugural NWSL season.

Samantha Mewis

A rookie forward for Denver Summit FC, making her professional debut in the home opener.

Lindsey Horan

A veteran midfielder for Denver Summit FC, providing leadership and experience for the new club.

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What they’re saying

“This is a historic day for soccer in Colorado. The energy and excitement in the stadium is incredible.”

— Alex Morgan, Head Coach, Denver Summit FC

“We knew coming into this match that the Summit would be a tough opponent. They have a lot of talent and played with a lot of heart today.”

— Andi Sullivan, Midfielder, Washington Spirit

What’s next

Denver Summit FC will look to build on their home opener result as they continue their inaugural NWSL season, hosting the Chicago Red Stars on April 4 and traveling to face the Portland Thorns on April 11.

The takeaway

The arrival of the NWSL in Denver is a significant milestone for women's sports in Colorado, providing a new professional platform for local talent and giving fans an opportunity to support a homegrown team. The sold-out home opener at the iconic Empower Field showcases the growing popularity and prominence of the NWSL.