Denver Summit FC has found its goalkeeper.
The team on Wednesday announced that it signed a two-year contract with Abby Smith, who won championships with the Portland Thorns (2022) and Gotham FC (2023).
“Joining Denver Summit FC at the start of something new feels really special,” Smith said in a news release. “This club’s vision and energy are inspiring, and I’m proud to be part of building something that represents both excellence and community. I can’t wait to get to work in Denver and help lay the foundation for success from day one.”
The contract runs through the 2027 season with a mutual option for 2028.
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Smith, 32, was drafted out of Texas in the third round of the 2016 NWSL College Draft as the 27th overall pick. She has made 75 appearances and recorded 14 clean sheets in her career.
Denver will be her seventh team in the league, after stints with the Boston Breakers, Utah Royals, Kansas City Current, Portland Thorns FC, Gotham FC and Houston Dash. She also played for the Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia’s A-League Women. She was called up to the U.S. women’s national team in 2017 and 2018.
“Abby is a proven winner and a tremendous presence in goal,” Denver Summit FC general manager Curt Johnson said in a news release. “Her professionalism, competitive drive and experience across some of the league’s best environments make her an ideal leader for this group. She knows what it takes to win at the highest level, and we’re thrilled to welcome her to Denver.”
Smith is the sixth player the team has publicly announced it has acquired, joining forward and Colorado native Ally Watt, midfielder Lourdes Bosch, forward Nahikari García, and defenders Kaleigh Kurtz and Megan Reid.
The team will host its inaugural home match on March 28 at Empower Field at Mile High. More than 25,000 tickets have been sold, the club announced last week.
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