Denver Summit FC left it late, but the hosts delivered a memorable 2-1 comeback win over Portland Thorns FC in National Women’s Soccer League action on Saturday at Centennial Stadium.
Portland looked to be in control after Sophia Wilson converted from the penalty spot in the 25th minute, giving the Thorns a foothold in the fixture despite Denver seeing more of the ball and asking more questions in the final third. Wilson’s 25′ penalty was taken with authority and put the visitors ahead against the run of Denver’s growing pressure.
That pressure finally told deep into first-half stoppage time. With the clock showing 45’+8′, Janine Sonis came up with a huge moment for Denver, driving home the equalizer to send the sides into the interval level at 1-1. It was a deserved response for a home side that had controlled long stretches of possession and pushed Portland back for much of the opening half.
After the restart, Denver continued to dictate the rhythm. Marie Müller went into the book in the 53rd minute as the match grew more combative, while Portland’s Delanie Sheehan was shown a yellow card in the 80th minute during a tense closing stretch. The hosts kept probing, using their territorial edge to pin the Thorns in and force the issue.
The breakthrough arrived in the 86th minute. Natalie Means, on as a substitute, found the decisive touch to complete the turnaround, firing Denver in front 2-1 and lifting the crowd of 12,372. It was the culmination of sustained home pressure and a fitting reward for a side that finished with 58.6 percent possession, 18 total shots, and 7 efforts on target.
Portland threatened sporadically and had the match’s first goal through Wilson, but the Thorns struggled to match Denver’s attacking volume over the full 90 minutes. The visitors ended with 10 shots, 3 on target, and just 2 corners, compared with Denver’s 6.
In the end, Denver’s persistence made the difference. Sonis changed the mood just before halftime with her goal at 45’+8′, and Means settled the fixture with the winner at 86′, handing Summit FC a statement result against one of the league’s stronger sides.
Goal scorers: Sophia Wilson 25′ (penalty) for Portland Thorns FC; Janine Sonis 45’+8′ and Natalie Means 86′ for Denver Summit FC.
