NFL
By Keith Richards
The 2026 Inaugural Season for Denver Summit FC draws ever closer. As the team has now kicked off its first preseason camp, they have also filled out its roster for the inaugural season. Five forwards, two goalkeepers, seven defenders, and six midfielders. The inaugural roster for the Denver Summit is rich with experience, youth, and hunger.
We’ve already highlighted one player in each position group. With the inaugural roster now full, we’ll take a deeper look into each position group. Starting with the forwards, let’s look at each player and what they bring to the roster. When the season kicks off, we hope everyone knows this roster well. The better you know the players, the better you can support the team. So, let’s get it!
As stated above, the inaugural roster for the Denver Summit FC has five forwards:
- Ally Watt
- Faith Weber
- Jasmine Aikey
- Melissa Kössler
- Nahikari Garcia
As with all the position groups, each forward brings something unique to the team. Whether it’s the level of experience or skill set, no two forwards are the same. So, let’s look at each separately now.
Ally Watt
Ally Watt was not just the first Colorado native on the inaugural roster. Watt holds the honor of being the first player signed by Denver Summit FC. It’s a title that no one will ever be able to take from her. However, it’s not the only title for Ally Watt. Ally is a 2024 NWSL Shield and Champion with Orlando Pride and a 2019-20 A-League champion with Melbourne City FC.
Watt has phenomenal speed and deadly finishing. Consequently, she once scored a goal with Orlando Pride in 39 seconds. That speed will be very useful in conjunction with the altitude advantage. Indeed, don’t be surprised if Ally Watt has a career season with Denver Summit FC.
Faith Weber
Joining Jasmine Aikey, Faith Weber joins the inaugural roster fresh out of college. While we can’t judge Weber on any professional experience, her collegiate career was exemplary. At the conclusion of her career at Utah Valley State, Faith is the all-time leader in goals (70), points (157), shots (440), and shots on goal (223). Needless to say, Faith Weber knows how to find the back of the net, and she’s not afraid to blast off at it.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that Weber played in Utah. Consequently, adjusting to a mile-high altitude will not be difficult for her. In fact, Faith’s UVU record of 20 game-winning goals means that she finishes strong down the final stretch. Furthermore, it means Weber has that clutch gene in her. That’s a valuable asset for any team, especially a new one.
Jasmine Aikey
We have already covered Jasmine Aikey. However, just in case you forgot, let’s remind you. Aikey is fresh from Stanford University, where she excelled. Through over 90 appearances with the Cardinals, Jasmine Aikey had 53 goal contributions (25 goals and 28 assists) across all competitions. Her prowess would help Stanford win the 2023 NCAA Women’s College Cup championship and lead her to winning the 2025 MAC Hermann Trophy. Aikey has yet to break onto the USWNT senior team, but an excellent rookie campaign with Summit FC could go a long way towards breaking into the highly competitive USWNT forwards scene.
Melissa Kössler
Since 2022, Melissa Kössler has made over 50 appearances playing for TSG Hoffenheim in the Frauen-Bundesliga. During that time, Kössler has scored 24 goals. Throughout her entire professional career, Melissa has 151 appearances and 65 goals. Kössler has represented Germany’s senior team internationally, as well as at the U-16, U-17, and U-19 levels.
Photo: picture alliance / foto2press
With the U-19 squad, Melissa Kössler scored 12 goals in 22 appearances. Were it not for her teammate, Melissa would be the most prolific goal-scoring forward on the inaugural. Even still, expect Kössler to make a huge impact for Denver Summit FC.
Nahikari Garcia
Last, but certainly not least, we have Nahikari Garcia. Without a doubt, the most prolific goal-scoring forward on the inaugural roster. With a professional career that began in 2012, Garcia has 299 appearances and has scored 122 goals. During her time with Real Sociedad in the Primera División of Spain, Nahikari scored 17, 15, 18, and 19 goals in consecutive seasons.
In 2019, Garcia helped lead Real Sociedad to their first Copa de la Reina title. Garica scored three goals in four appearances. With so much talent at the forward position, Garcia still stands out. We will need to see what shape rolls with, but it’s not hard to imagine Garcia being in serious consideration as a starter.
The forwards on the inaugural roster show a lot of promise. Cushing will have his hands full trying to get minutes on the pitch for all these talented women. In the meantime, we move on to the next position group. Stay tuned for our analysis of the midfielders!
