Denver Summit Defeats Chicago Stars 3-0 to Chase NWSL Playoff Spot

Denver Summit FC defeated the Chicago Stars 3-0 on Sunday in Chicago at Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin Stadium, moving closer to the NWSL’s final playoff spot.

Janine Sonis and Lindsey Heaps Score in 3-0 Victory

Denver opened the scoring early when left-back Janine Sonis whipped a high cross from the left wing in the eighth minute. The ball looped over Chicago goalkeeper Katie Atkinson and into the net for Sonis’ 12th goal of the season. In the 26th minute, midfielder Yuzuki Yamamoto played Sonis through on a counterattack, and Sonis delivered a low cross that Lindsey Heaps converted in the penalty area.

The visitors sealed the match in the 76th minute when winger Yazmeen Ryan drove from the wing into the box. Ryan sent a low cross to Heaps, whose initial shot was blocked before being deflected into the net. The win against the league’s bottom side provided crucial points as the expansion team charges toward the postseason.

Abby Smith Secures Milestone Clean Sheet for Backline

Goalkeeper Abby Smith celebrated her 33rd birthday by earning her 20th career NWSL clean sheet. The shutout was Denver’s first in five matches, following a defensive stretch that saw the team concede 10 goals over their previous four outings, including a 4-1 loss in Kansas City.

The win and a clean sheet is honestly a great birthday gift.

Abby Smith

Chicago entered the fixture having scored a league-low 15 goals this season. Summit midfielder Emma Regan noted that securing the defensive lockdown through the full 90 minutes was a primary focus for the backline.

Playoff Chase and Match Against Angel City FC

Denver sits four points behind the North Carolina Courage, who currently hold the NWSL’s final playoff position. The Summit must monitor the results of the Courage’s remaining three fixtures, along with matches involving Portland, Angel City, and Kansas City. If North Carolina wins its next two games, Denver cannot mathematically overtake them.