Denver Summit FC Set to Break NWSL Attendance Record in Historic Home Opener
(Denver = Won Jeong) Expansion side Denver Summit FC is on the verge of a historic moment as it prepares for its first-ever home match in the NWSL.
Denver will host Washington Spirit on Saturday, March 28 at noon MT at Empower Field at Mile High. The club announced that more than 60,000 tickets have been sold, putting the match on track to shatter the current NWSL single-game attendance record of 40,091, set in 2025.
Denver Summit FC has quickly made its presence felt in the league, securing the first win in franchise history with a victory over defending champions Gotham FC.
Forward Melissa Kössler has been at the center of that success, scoring her third goal of the season and becoming the first player in NWSL history to score each of a club’s first three goals.
Rookie Yuna McCormack recorded her first professional assist in the same match, while Tash Flint added her first career NWSL goal, marking the first time Denver scored multiple goals in a single game. Goalkeeper Abby Smith delivered a standout performance with a clean sheet, anchoring the team defensively.
The club has also reinforced its roster with key acquisitions. Forward Yazmeen Ryan and midfielder Delanie Sheehan recently joined the team, both bringing championship experience from previous NWSL campaigns.
In addition, Denver announced the signing of Japanese international Yuzuki Yamamoto, the reigning WE League MVP. Yamamoto is expected to join the squad following the April international break after helping Japan secure the AFC Women’s Asian Cup title.
As Colorado’s first professional women’s soccer team, Denver Summit FC has emphasized strong local ties. The inaugural roster includes several Colorado natives, strengthening the connection with the local fan base.
Veteran defender Kaleigh Kurtz continues to make history, extending her streak to 117 consecutive starts and over 10,000 consecutive regular-season minutes — the longest active streaks in the league.
Officially awarded an expansion franchise in January 2025, Denver Summit FC is already emerging as a competitive force in the league.
Head coach Nick Cushing, who previously led Manchester City Women and New York City FC, has brought experience and structure to the team’s early success.
With a record-breaking crowd expected and momentum building on the field, all eyes will be on whether Denver can mark its historic home debut with another statement victory.
