Denver Summit FC rout Chicago Stars 6-1, surge back into playoff picture

CENTENNIAL Denver Summit FC delivered one of its most dominant performances of the season Saturday night, overwhelming the Chicago Stars 6-1 at Centennial Stadium to collect three crucial points in the NWSL playoff race.

Janine Sonis opened the scoring in the 13th minute, curling home her ninth goal of the season. Melissa Kssler doubled the lead six minutes later, snapping a four-month scoring drought with an assist from captain Lindsey Heaps.

The Summit continued pouring it on after halftime. Yuzuki Yamamoto scored her first NWSL goal in the 47th minute, followed by Tash Flint's goal nine minutes later.

Kssler struck again in the 58th minute to complete her brace, giving Denver five goals before the hour mark.

Olivia Thomas capped the scoring in the 85th minute with the first professional goal of her career.

The six goals marked the most scored in a match by any NWSL team this season. The victory moved the Summit to 27 points and ninth place in the NWSL standings, keeping their postseason push firmly alive.

Denver returns to action Sept. 6 at home against Gotham FC.