Here’s the latest update from the ongoing FIFA World Cup as of 2026-07-19 04:31:00.
The Denver Summit FC celebrated a thrilling 2-1 victory over the Portland Thorns in Lindsey Heaps’ highly anticipated debut on Saturday. The match took place at Centennial Stadium, which drew a sellout crowd of 12,372 fans. This game marked the Summit’s inaugural match at their temporary venue as they await a permanent stadium slated to open near downtown Denver in 2028.
Heaps Shines in Debut
Lindsey Heaps, the United States women’s national team captain, donned the captain’s armband and provided the decisive assist for the winning goal. Having signed a pre-contract with the Summit in January, Heaps returned to her home state after four years with OL Lyon in France. She hails from Golden, Colorado, located just a short drive from Denver.
“It’s been amazing,” Heaps expressed to reporters post-match. “It’s special to see everything the organization has done. I think we’ve done it in such a proper way.”
Heaps came close to scoring herself during the match, nearly netting a goal before halftime. Two strong attempts were thwarted by the Thorns’ goalkeeper, Mackenzie Arnold, who skillfully kept Heaps from adding to the scoreboard. Heaps added a critical play in the 86th minute, assisting Natalie Means, whose shot from the right side of the box found its way into the net.
A Competitive Match
Denver equalized in the 8th minute of first-half stoppage time when Janine Sonis scored from a cross. The game began with a penalty from forward Sophia Wilson, putting the Thorns in the lead in the 25th minute after a foul in the box.
Heaps’ debut is particularly significant as it marks her return to the NWSL for the first time since 2021. Before her stint in France, she spent five years with the Thorns, capturing the 2018 NWSL MVP award and the 2017 NWSL Championship.
With this victory, the Summit sits just one point away from the playoff line as the season’s halfway mark approaches. As Heaps prepares for the FIFA World Cup 2026, she expressed her aspirations: “I want to be in a place where I am competing for that team.”
FAQs
Who scored the winning goal for the Denver Summit?
Natalie Means scored the winning goal in the 86th minute, assisted by Lindsey Heaps.
When did Lindsey Heaps last play in the NWSL?
Heaps last played in the NWSL in 2021 before joining the Denver Summit.
Quick Facts
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- Source: www.espn.com – SOCCER
- Published: 2026-07-19 04:31:00
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Tags: #Denver #Summit #beat #Portland #Thorns #Lindsey #Heaps #debut
Tags: #Denver #Summit #beat #Portland #Thorns #Lindsey #Heaps #debut
