Denver Summit FC defenders Megan Reid and Kaleigh Kurtz run during preseason training camp at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California on Jan. 19. (Photo Credit: Denver Summit FC/C. Morgan Engel/Clarkson Photography)
Denver Summit ramped up its transfer activity significantly in recent weeks, announcing 12 signings in 15 days. While on the surface this was a frenzy, the result suggests a more patient, considered process. Building up to their inaugural National Women’s Soccer League campaign, this Summit squad looks capable of competing from the get-go.
In Nick Cushing, Denver hired a head coach with a track record of success. Over six-and-a-half years managing Manchester City at the highest level of English soccer, he won six major trophies, including one Women’s Super League title. Six years on from his departure in early 2020, City have continued to invest but added only two further trophies to their haul — one FA Cup, one League Cup, and zero league titles.
Arguably, the more relevant information was how Cushing did it. He built a functional Manchester City team whose defense was arguably even stronger than their attack. In their title-winning season, they conceded just four goals in 16 games. When Cushing left the club in February 2020, City was top of the league with just six conceded in 14 games. His City side was consistently well-organized and difficult to break down. In addition, they were happy to play more directly when it was on, using big switches to get their wide players on the ball quickly.
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