Melissa Kessler and Natasha Flint each scored on Wednesday night as Denver Summit defeated Gotham FC 2-0 in expansion play for the club’s first National Women’s Soccer League victory.
In other NWSL action, the visiting Orlando Pride defeated the Chicago Stars 3-0. The Seattle Reign defeated the Kansas City Current 3-0 in Spokane, Washington. The San Diego Wave defeated the visiting Portland Thorns 3-1. The Utah Royals played away to the Washington Spirit, ending in a 1-1 tie.
Una McCormack sent a pass into midfield and Kessler led Summit to a goal in the 57th minute. Kessler’s inside-out run evaded the defender and fired a shot into the far left corner of the goal.
Playing on its home turf in New Jersey, Gotham’s offense was limited, with the team having just one shot on target in the first half. Denver scored again in the 72nd minute when Flint snatched the ball from goalie Ann-Katrin Berger as she tried to clear.
Trinity Rodman makes NWSL history
At 23 years old, Trinity Rodman became the youngest player in NWSL history to play in 100 regular season games. She is the sixth player in Spirit history to accomplish this.
This record was previously held by Sam Kerr, who reached his 100th appearance in 2019 at the age of 25.
Washington hosted Utah and led for much of the game with a goal from Rebecca Bernal in the 18th minute, but Utah’s Mina Tanaka scored the tying goal late in the game to tie the game at 1-1.
2025 Shield winner loses for second consecutive year
Angarad James Turner scored in his first start in Spokane. The team is playing three games in Spokane while preparing for this summer’s World Cup at Lumen Field in Seattle.
Current conceded just 13 goals last season, but have already conceded six goals through three games this season.
Seattle outscored Current 12-2 in the first half and took the lead in the 18th minute when James Turner converted Seattle’s early corner kick opportunity. Huerta connected with Brittany Ratcliffe and Maddy Mercado from the top right corner of the penalty area, delivered a cross, and assisted the next two.
Portland loses in first game of the season
After the Thorns’ loss to the Wave, only Angel City and Houston Dash remain undefeated.
Less than two minutes later, the Wave took the lead after Dudinha hit a shot from inside the 18. Six minutes later, the Thorns hit back, with Pietra Trudin getting the first shot. The shot bounced off the right post, tying the game.
San Diego kept up the pressure in the box and Leah Godfrey scored Portland’s third try. Melanie Barcenas scored the Wave’s third goal in the 82nd minute, putting the game within reach.
Barbara Banda continues early season scoring streak
Orlando scored three goals in the first half and handed Chicago their second shutout loss of the season.
Barbara Banda got the Pride going in the 13th minute, scoring her third goal of the game with a shot that beat Alyssa Neher, who came from the edge of the line to prevent a goal.
Nine minutes later, Jacqueline Obare scored on a pullback shot. Hannah Anderson, who was traded from the Stars in the offseason, scored her first career goal in the 35th minute.
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