Denver Summit Earn First NWSL Point With 1-1 Draw at Orlando

The result highlights an expansion team settling quickly behind steady goalkeeping.

Overview

Melissa Kössler scored in the 24th minute off a Natasha Flint pass to give Denver its first-ever lead.
Orlando’s Barbra Banda leveled with a 61st-minute header to secure the 1-1 final.
Goalkeeper Abby Smith produced multiple key stops and reached 250 career NWSL saves.
Captain Janine Sonis missed the match while serving a one-game suspension from a straight red issued against Bay FC.
Denver added Yazmeen Ryan and Delanie Sheehan from Houston in a funds-involved deal and signed Japan international Yuzuki Yamamoto, with Ryan featuring against Orlando; next up is a midweek trip to Gotham before the home debut.