Centennial Stadium, Centennial/Littleton, Colorado
Kickoff: 7:45 p.m. CT / 8:45 p.m. ET (6:45 p.m. MT)
TV/Streaming: ION
This is the first-ever meeting between the two clubs in Denver Summit’s inaugural NWSL season. The Stars sit at the bottom of the table with significant defensive struggles, while the expansion Summit are mid-to-lower table and looking to climb with home support and altitude advantage. Chicago enters off a 3-2 win over Racing Louisville, while Denver is coming off a 1-0 road loss at Portland Thorns.
Current Rosters & Key Players
Chicago Stars FC key contributors: Jordyn Huitema (leading scorer with 4 goals), Julia Grosso (chances created leader), Jameese Joseph (shots leader), Sam Staab (minutes and defensive leader with clearances/blocks), Maitane (tackles), and goalkeeper options including K. Atkinson. Offensive output has been limited overall.
Denver Summit FC key contributors: Janine Sonis (team-leading 8 goals and assists contributor), Abby Smith (strong goalkeeping with high save totals), and supporting attack including players like Nahikari Garcia in some contexts. The Summit have shown better balance in goals scored/conceded than Chicago.
Injury Reports
Specific current availability for this matchup is limited in public reports, with earlier notes for Denver including absences such as Jasmine Aikey, Jordan Baggett, Tash Flint, and Nahikari Garcia in prior weeks. Chicago has managed a relatively stable core under interim coach Karina Báez. Official NWSL player status reports closer to kickoff should be checked for updates.
Weather Forecast (Centennial Stadium area)
Typical late-August Denver conditions: Mostly sunny to partly cloudy with a chance of afternoon/evening thunderstorms or stray showers. Highs in the low-to-mid 90s°F during the day, cooling into the mid-60s by evening. Light winds (WNW around 8 mph). Outdoor venue at altitude—expect thinner air that can favor the home side’s conditioning.
Recent Team Forms
Chicago Stars FC: Struggling overall (worst goal difference in the league at -29). Recent 3-2 win over Racing Louisville under interim coach Karina Báez provides a rare positive, but defensive vulnerabilities remain a major issue.
Denver Summit FC: Mixed form in their expansion season (recent results include a loss at Portland, draw at San Diego, and a home win over Utah). Home performances and altitude have been assets.
Series History
First-ever meeting. No prior head-to-head results as Denver Summit is in its inaugural NWSL campaign. A second meeting is scheduled for October 4 in Chicago.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups / Storylines
Janine Sonis vs. Chicago defense: Sonis’s goal-scoring and creative output will test a Stars back line that has conceded heavily all season.
Jordyn Huitema / Julia Grosso vs. Denver defense/GK Abby Smith: Chicago needs its limited attacking threats to convert rare chances against a more organized Summit side.
Altitude and home support at Centennial Stadium favor Denver, especially against a travel-weary and low-scoring Chicago team.
Interim coaching impact for the Stars under Karina Báez after recent changes.
Both teams are outside the playoff picture, making this a battle for pride, development, and late-season momentum.
Betting Trends
Denver’s home advantage, superior record, and better underlying metrics make them clear favorites against the league’s weakest side.
MATCH ODDS
Chicago Red Stars + 800
Denver Summitt FC – 425
Draw + 475
Over 3.5 + 105 Under 3.5 – 155
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, August 28, 2026
