The Denver Summit faced a tough defeat against the Portland Thorns, ending the match 1-0. Despite a solid first half and notable performances from backup goalkeeper Kat Asman, who made her debut, the team struggled with offensive execution, failing to convert chances into goals. With key players Lindsey Heaps and Abby Smith sidelined due to injuries, the Summit's reliance on a few stars became evident. Portland's Sophia Wilson proved to be the decisive factor, scoring the only goal of the match just before halftime.

By the Numbers
  • Katherine Asman made 5 saves out of 6 shots on goal.
  • Sophia Wilson scored the match's sole goal in the 44th minute.
Yes, But

The absence of critical players Heaps and Smith certainly impacted the Summit, as their high-risk defense became exposed more than usual. However, head coach Cushing believes the team's progress is evident, and their attacking potential remains promising despite the outcome.

State of Play
  • Without Abby Smith, the team played their first match without their usual starting goalkeeper.
  • The Summit maintained possession but struggled with converting chances, indicating an ongoing issue with finishing.
What's Next

As the season progresses, the return of Lindsey Heaps and Abby Smith could provide the Summit with a much-needed boost. The team aims to refine their offensive execution to capitalize on scoring opportunities and transform their play into favorable results.

Bottom Line

Despite the loss, the Denver Summit is showcasing incremental progress and potential. With key players expected to return, the focus will be on improving their finishing to secure crucial points in the ongoing fight for playoff positioning.