Denver Summit FC Co-Captain Janine Sonis Named to NWSL Best XI for May

June 5, 2026 Won Jeong

Denver Summit FC – J. Sonis / photo credit @GooddaySports.com

(Denver, CO = Won Jeong) Denver Summit FC defender and co-captain Janine Sonis has been named to the NWSL Best XI for May, the league announced Friday, recognizing a month in which she emerged as one of the league’s most productive players on both ends of the field.

The honor marks the second NWSL Best XI selection in Denver Summit FC franchise history. Goalkeeper Abby Smith became the club’s first recipient after earning the distinction in March.

Sonis played every minute of the Summit’s five matches in May and delivered a remarkable offensive performance despite her defensive role. She recorded back-to-back braces, becoming one of only three NWSL players to register multiple braces this season and one of only two players to accomplish the feat in consecutive matches.

Her standout moment came on May 16 against the Orlando Pride when she converted the first penalty kick of her NWSL career. The goal proved to be the match-winner in Denver Summit FC’s first home victory in franchise history.

Thanks in large part to Sonis’ contributions, the Summit collected nine points during the month and continued to establish itself as a competitive expansion club. She currently sits tied for fourth in the league in goals scored and led all Denver Summit players in scoring during May.

The recognition is the second monthly Best XI honor of Sonis’ professional career. She previously earned a spot on the NWSL Best XI in October and November of 2025 while playing for Racing Louisville FC.

The NWSL Best XI of the Month is selected by the NWSL Media Association, a group of journalists who regularly cover the league, along with the league’s broadcast talent.

For Denver Summit FC, Sonis’ selection represents another milestone in the club’s inaugural season. With both Sonis and Smith earning league-wide recognition in the opening months of the campaign, the Summit continues to demonstrate that it is quickly becoming a team capable of competing with the NWSL’s established clubs.