Denver Summit FC vs Houston Dash: What Denver’s 2026 could look like from here

Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Houston, TX-  Denver Summit has set their inaugural NWSL season ablaze in their first few months out the gate. The first-ever meeting of Denver Summit FC and the Houston Dash, ending in a 4-1 win for Denver, hinted what this expansion’s story could represent in the future. The Saturday night match, heavy rain delays included, saw key Denver Summit FC storylines emerge: a new goal-scoring duo from Janine Sonis and Yazmeen Ryan, goals from Natasha Flint and Delanie Sheehan and some heavy lifting from right back defender Ayo Oke.

According to team captain Janine Sonis, the Sonis and Ryan magic goes back to their Portland Thorn days and could now become a regular occurrence.

“When I heard [Ryan] was joining us in Denver, I couldn’t have been more excited,” Sonis told La Fille de Fleur post-match. “She’s a player with limitless potential[…] and I was really proud of her performance tonight. I’ll do my best to get on the other end of her crosses and passes and maybe we can switch it around next week and I’ll assist her two goals.”

Ryan shared similar sentiments about their playing chemistry saying the two are of complimentary styles of play.

Photo by Danny Jefferson/ Independent Frames

Natasha Flint solidified Denver’s lead early in the match to continuing her recent scoring streak for the team.

The match also marked a return two to Houston for both Abby Smith and Yazmeen Ryan and the two players said the win in Texas was extra special.

With Abby Smith in goal and a cohesive backline, Denver Summit displayed strong defensive strategies, managing to stave off Houston’s shots towards goal. Defender Ayo Oke played technically smart throughout match—most critically before landing a ball for Delanie Sheenan to head in the back of the goal past Jane Campbell.

Though currently ranked 12 in the NWSL, the Denver team shows early signs that their best is yet to come.

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