Denver Summit shuts out defending champion Gotham FC to earn first NWSL win in big way
HARRISON, N. J. — Denver Summit FC won their first match in franchise history Wednesday night over the 2025 NWSL champions, Gotham FC.
After a strong first half featuring plenty of offensive control, Denver capitalized on two massive defensive errors in the 58th and 73rd minutes, ending the historic night with a 2-0 win. Forward Melissa Kössler beat Gotham defender Jess Carter in a foot race to find herself face-to-face with goalkeeper and fellow German international Ann-Katrin Berger. Kössler shot the ball, which slipped through Berger’s legs, as Sports Illustrated Stadium fell quiet.
It was Kössler’s third goal this season, tying Orlando’s Barbra Banda for most goals scored this year. Fifteen minutes later, Denver forward Natasha Flint won a ball that Gotham’s backline mishandled. Her aggressive press allowed her to win possession from Berger.
Flint followed with a smooth finish to give Denver its second goal and her first in the NWSL. “It’s a huge 3 points to take into the game this weekend,” Flint said after the match. “It’s what we need.
It’s what we deserve. I think we can just grow from (Wednesday). ” Tash Flint’s first goal in the @NWSL & it’s a beauty 🥲 pic.