Denver Summit FC needs three points, but this one is a must-win. 

Coming off a heartbreaking loss to No. 1 Utah Royals, Denver (3-3-4) is looking to turn things around going into the World Cup break in an away game against Racing Louisville FC on Friday. 

With 12 points, Summit sits at No. 12 in the league standings, with past losses and draws haunting the expansion team.  

“It’s frustrating coming out of those games without three points, but we are seeing the progress and trusting the process,” midfielder Delanie Sheehan said. “We are happy with our moments, but also not happy with the goals we gave away. Frustrated, but also looking forward.” 

Friday’s match is Summit’s last game before the World Cup break, with its next game set for July 3 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. The match was originally to take place at the team’s new Centennial Stadium, but it was announced Thursday the club’s opening day for the stadium was pushed back to July 18. 

Despite Louisville’s (2-1-7) last-place position in league standings, the Summit is not taking it lightly. They’ve seen leads slip from their grasp and are determined to finish the game on a high note. 

“Louisville is aggressive, quick, and will punish you on the counter,” Sheehan said. “Like any other game, we have to control the ball and control the game. I think everyone knows in this league, bottom or top of the table, you can beat anyone any day.”

Friday’s game kicks off at 6 p.m. and will be streamed on Prime Video.

“It’s a bit presumptuous to think you can go there and get three points,” coach Nick Cushing said. “Louisville’s league position doesn’t reflect their aggressive approach to the game and how they make the game difficult.” 

The Summit will face Durango native Lauren Milliet, a longtime veteran for Louisville, in Friday’s matchup. A former midfielder for Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Milliet became the first player in NWSL history to log 100 consecutive matches for one club in April of 2025. 

For Cushing, a potential 15 points into the break would be an “OK” place to be, especially with a home-heavy schedule ahead. A buzzword in the locker room this week has been “ruthless,” and the team plans to carry out that mindset into the second half of the season. 

Although Denver faces a long break after Friday’s match, it doesn’t see it as a break. There will be some rest and recovery, but it’s mostly an opportunity to continue growing. 

“The break starts on Saturday for us, and that’s critical,” Cushing said. “First, we need to focus on the game, and I felt that (Wednesday). The team was hungry, focused, and would show discipline to approach the game properly. It’s a good opportunity to get on the pitch and work.”

Eight Summit players called up to respective women’s national teams

Eight Denver players will represent their home countries during the upcoming international window.  

Denver’s Janine Sonis and Emma Regan have been called up to the Canada women’s national team, which will face Costa Rica in an international friendly on June 9.  

For the United States, Eva Gaetino, Ayo Oke, and Yuna McCormack were called up to the U.S. youth national team U-23 camp. Gaetino scored her first NWSL goal in the Summit’s 3-1 loss to Orlando. 

Goalie Pauline Peyfaud-Magnin was called up to the French women’s national team, forward Melissa Kössler was called up to the German national team, and midfielder Lourdes Bosch was called up to Mexico’s U-23 National team. 

Colorado natives Mal Swanson, Sophia Wilson and Lindsey Heaps were called up to the U.S. women’s national team ahead of a series of friendlies against Brazil.