Mar 20, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Denver Summit FC forward Yazmeen Ryan (9) moves the ball in front of Orlando Pride forward Summer Yates (28) during the first half at Inter&Co Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Denver Summit FC earn first point

Originally posted on The Equalizer | Last updated Mar 21, 2026 12:48 AM ET

On Friday, March 20 expansion side Denver Summit FC earned its first point after drawing with the Orlando Pride 1-1. Denver scored first, when Melissa Kössler got on the board in the 24th minute. While the Summit were unable to hold onto the lead — the inevitable Barbra Banda equalized for the Pride in the 61st — the 1-1 tie was still a proud moment for Denver, who are no longer pointless in their NWSL tenure.

Melissa Kössler makes history ‼️

Denver Summit FC’S first-ever goal in the NWSL! pic.twitter.com/xBbXRbZmRn
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 14, 2026

Friday’s match between Denver and Orlando was the second of a three-game road trip the Summit have taken to open their first season. They opened last week in California against Bay FC and lost 2-1. They’ll next face NJ/NY Gotham FC in Harrison, New Jersey on Wednesday. By Saturday, the Summit will return to Colorado to host their home opener against the Washington Spirit. Over 45,000 fans have already purchased tickets for the Summit’s home opener, which will smash NWSL single-match attendance records.

This article first appeared on The Equalizer and was syndicated with permission.

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