Denver Summit FC is putting the finishing touches on its roster as the franchise prepares to begin play. With the team’s first match scheduled for Saturday, March 14, in San Jose, California, the squad is nearing the minimum required number of players to compete in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Details on Player Composition and Upcoming Matches
As of early March, Denver Summit FC has secured 22 players, including two goalkeepers and a mix of defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Lindsey Heaps is expected to officially join the team in June 2026. The club’s initial game will take place against Bay FC in San Jose, followed by two more away matches before Denver hosts its home opener on March 28 against the Washington Spirit.
The active roster currently contains two goalkeepers: Jordan Nytes and Abby Smith. The defensive lineup features Camryn Biegalski, Eva Gaetino, Kaleigh Kurtz, Natalie Means, Ayo Oke, Carson Pickett, and Megan Reid. On the midfield, players include Jordan Baggett, Lourdes Bosch, Devin Lynch, Yuna McCormack, Emma Regan, and incoming rookie Lindsey Heaps. The forward group comprises Jasmine Aikey, Ally Brazier, Natasha Flint, Nahikari Garcia, Melissa Kössler, Janine Sonis, and Olivia Thomas.
Roster Regulations and Salary Structure in the NWSL
NWSL rules mandate that each team maintain a roster with a minimum of 22 and a maximum of 26 players, combining both senior and supplemental players. The league enforces a base salary cap of $3.5 million per team to ensure financial balance. Starting July 1, a new high-impact player rule will allow squads to spend an additional $1 million beyond the salary cap on designated star athletes to enhance competitive quality.
Player salaries remain confidential and are not publicly disclosed by the NWSL or its teams without consent from the National Women’s Soccer League Players Association (NWSLPA).
Implications for Denver’s Inaugural Season
With a nearly complete roster and compliance with league regulations, Denver Summit FC is positioned to enter the NWSL with a competitive squad. The combination of experienced goalkeepers like Abby Smith and promising players such as Nahikari Garcia and Ally Brazier provides a balanced lineup. The introduction of the high-impact player rule could further affect roster enhancements in mid-season, offering the team opportunities to strengthen its roster as the season progresses.
