Denver Summit FC 2-1 Seattle Reign FC
Denver Summit FC earned a hard-fought National Women’s Soccer League victory on Saturday night, edging Seattle Reign FC 2-1 at Centennial Stadium in Centennial.
Delanie Sheehan gave the hosts a deserved breakthrough in the 44th minute, sending Denver into the interval with a one-goal advantage after a first half in which they established control of the pitch.
Denver carried that momentum into the second period and doubled the lead five minutes after the restart. Natasha Flint scored in the 50th minute to put Summit FC 2-0 ahead and reward another assertive spell from the home side.
Seattle found a route back into the fixture through Brittany Ratcliffe, who struck in the 55th minute to cut the deficit in half. The Reign pressed for an equaliser from there, but Denver managed the closing stages well to protect its lead.
The numbers reflected Denver’s overall edge. Summit FC held 53.5 percent possession, outshot Seattle 16-8 and placed 10 efforts on target to the Reign’s four. Denver also won five corners while limiting the visitors to none.
Seattle’s frustration showed in the second half, with Sally Menti booked in the 73rd minute and Phoebe McClernon cautioned a minute later. Denver goalkeeper Abby Smith received a yellow card in the 80th minute as the hosts saw out a tense finish.
The result moves Denver Summit FC to a 9-8-8 record, while Seattle Reign FC falls to 11-4-10. Denver next faces Kansas City Current on Saturday, September 26, while Seattle returns to action against Boston Legacy FC on Friday, September 25.
