Denver Summit FC vs Houston Dash: What Denver’s 2026 could look like from here
Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Houston, TX- Three months out of the gate, Denver Summit FC is setting their inaugural NWSL season ablaze. The first-ever meeting of Denver Summit FC and the Houston Dash, ended in a 4-1 win for Denver, hinting at what this expansion could represent down the line. The Saturday night match, heavy rain delays included, saw key Denver Summit FC storylines emerge: a 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.
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 12th in the NWSL, the Denver team shows early signs that their best is yet to come.
