DENVER — Denver soccer fans gathered at DNVR Bar to watch Denver Summit FC play the Portland Thorns, showing the growing passion behind the city's newest professional team.
Denver fell to Portland on the road 1-0, but supporters say this season is about more than the final score. Fans say they are celebrating a historic moment — Denver's first professional women's soccer team.
"It's been really inspiring to see people in such a welcoming sport of all, you know, genders, races, sexes, like come together,” Erica Michaelson said.
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"The crowds that come out and the camaraderie that we have has been truly something awesome to see, and everybody coming together to collaborate to support the team has been awesome," said Jolene Woodward, who runs events for the Summit Supports Group – The 14ers.
Donna McKeown said she has been waiting for this moment for decades.
"I've waited since the very first league was formed after the 99ers for Denver to get a team. So I jumped on,” she said.
Fans also praised the atmosphere when the Summit are playing at home.
"The new stadium has been really like when the whole thing shakes and everyone is there, and it's just great. I mean, it's unbelievable, quite frankly," Michaelson said.
Woodward said the turnout at watch parties has exceeded expectations.
"I expected a good crowd to come because we've got a lot of sports fans here. But for as many people have come out to support the women's sports has been absolutely amazing, and I am pleasantly surprised, but also not surprised that we've got so many people here,” she said.
"I would say this is one of our best fan bases, regardless of new team or not,” Michaelson said.
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