Denver Summit W 2–1 Portland Thorns FC Women – US Women’s National Soccer League

Denver, Colorado – July 19, 2026 – The Denver Summit W delivered a statement performance at home on Sunday, edging past the mighty Portland Thorns FC Women 2–1 in a thrilling US Women’s National Soccer League encounter. The result keeps Denver’s playoff hopes alive while handing the Thorns just their third defeat of the season.

Match Overview

From the first whistle, both sides pressed high and attacked with pace. Portland, known for their possession-based style, controlled long spells of the first half, but Denver’s counter-attacking threat proved decisive. The Thorns drew first blood through a well-worked set piece in the 23rd minute, but Denver responded with two quick strikes before the interval to turn the match on its head.

Key Moments

• 23′ – Portland strike first: A corner kick was nodded down by a Thorns defender, and Sophia Smith swept home from close range to give the visitors a 1–0 lead.
• 35′ – Denver equalises: A lightning counter-attack saw forward Mallory Swanson slip a through ball to Jordyn Huitema, who fired low past the Portland goalkeeper.
• 42′ – Denver takes the lead: A defensive mix-up on the edge of the Portland box allowed Rose Lavelle to pounce, curling a left-footed effort into the far corner.
• Second half stalemate: Portland pushed for an equaliser but Denver’s backline, marshalled by Naomi Girma, held firm to secure all three points.

Tactical Story

Portland’s 4-3-3 possession structure was disrupted by Denver’s aggressive midfield press. The Summit W’s wingers tucked inside to overload the centre, forcing Portland into sideways passes. On the break, Denver exploited the space left by Portland’s advancing full-backs, with Swanson and Huitema causing constant problems.

Standout Performers

• Rose Lavelle (Denver): The USWNT veteran controlled the tempo and scored the winner, showing her class in the decisive third.
• Sophia Smith (Portland): Despite the defeat, Smith’s movement and finishing were top-class, and she remains the league’s leading scorer.
• Naomi Girma (Denver): Imperious at the back, making several crucial blocks and interceptions in the closing stages.

Table Impact

The win lifts Denver Summit W into fourth place in the US Women’s National Soccer League standings, now within two points of third-placed Washington. Portland Thorns remain second but see their gap to leaders OL Reign reduced to four points, making the title race even tighter with six matches remaining.