Denver Summit FC's First Game: Kössler's Goal & That Red Card

Denver Summit FC lost their first-ever professional game 2-1 at Bay FC on March 14, 2026, but the story is so much bigger than the scoreline. In the 20th minute, Melissa Kössler headed home the first goal in club history off a beautiful Carson Pickett ball and Janine Sonis cross. Six minutes later, Sonis was sent off with a controversial red card that changed everything.

Kate breaks down the VAR decision that upgraded a yellow to a straight red, why the call didn't meet the IFAB standard for excessive force, and what it means that both expansion teams lost players to red cards on opening day. She also dives into Abby Smith's heroic 18-save performance, Ayo Oke shutting down Zambian international Rachel Kununaji in her NWSL debut, and how Denver held a dangerous Bay FC attack to just two goals while playing a player down for 63 minutes.

The back four looked solid with Carson Pickett, Kaleigh Kurtz, Eva Gaetino, and Ayo Oke. The midfield struggled to generate chances with just six shots all game. And six NWSL rookies are learning on the fly as Denver heads to Orlando to face the reigning champions on Friday, March 20 at 6 PM Mountain on Victory Plus and The Spot Denver 3.

Game one is in the books. The home opener against Washington Spirit is 14 days away.