🏟️DENVER SUMMIT FC MAKE HISTORY IN HOME OPENER- BSFN

We're back this week with a brand new BSFN for ya! We are going through some changes here at Box State Footy but the newsletter should remain a focal point of your midweek. Here's all the latest Box State Footy happenings from the last week!

ICYMI - Last Newsletter:

🏆COLORADO OPEN CUP CLASH

Box State Footy Newsletter - March 18th, 2026

Box State FootyJuan Fernandez

Topics:

🏟️ Summit Pack 60K+ at Mile High

✍️ Rapids Final Acquisitions

🧨 Vines Signs for Houston Dynamo

🐾 Sam Bassett Shines For Riverhounds

🏟️ Summit FC Pack 63,004 at Mile High for Home Opener

Denver Summit FC finally debuted in front of a packed Mile High crowd. The vibes were high, the city showed out, and Denver's first professional women's sports team made history. The final reported attendance number was 63,004.

The only downside was the 0-0 scoreline. Most soccer enthusiasts can and have learned to appreciate scoreless draws. In this instance, more than anything, I wanted to see the Mile High erupt for a huge Summit goal.

In Simon Critchley's "What We Think About When We Think About Football" Critchley describes how goals trigger a collective spirit of wonderment and awe. He call this "sensate ecstasy". It's a particular and collective moment when spectators see the ball hit the back of the net and explode into a roar of emotion and jubilation. This was ultimately the only thing missing in what was otherwise a fantastic day out at Mile High.

There were a lot of people around me who this was their first time seeing a pro soccer match. For it to be a women's game should show the immediate impact Summit already have. They're still quite a new team but for this to be their first impression on the larger Denver market speaks volumes to their position within the sports landscape here.

✍️ Rapids Sign Three New Players

The MLS Primary Window has officially closed and the Colorado Rapids were quite busy finalizing some deals.

Loïc Williams - 24-year-old Center Back

Williams joins from Spanish Second Division side Granada CF. The Spaniard had been rumored for quite some time. Even before the initial rumor, the Rapids were in the market for a center back throughout the off-season. With potential offers sure to come for the emerging Lucas Herrington, Williams arrival in the Summer could prove to either be a strong holdover and allow the Rapids some stability following Herrington's uncertainty.

Kosi Thompson - 23-year-old Defender

Joining via trade from Toronto FC, Kosi Thompson has been in and out of the starting lineup for the Reds filling in at various positions throughout his five seasons in Toronto. He can play in midfield, right back, and most recently has featured as a center back. Thompson was a serviceable substitute but never quite found his footing as a starter. He is currently projected to fill in at right back following Reggie Cannon's injury.

Georgi Minoungou - 24-year-old Winger

The Rapids splashed the GAM on this move sending $2,000,000 to Seattle Sounders for the Burkina Faso winger. Minoungou has not started many games for the Sounders often filling in as rotational depth in the Sounders' many midweek spells and primarily as an option off the bench. Minoungou is a crafty and savvy player though and while his box score tallies aren't the most encouraging, his entry and dribbling ability into opponent's boxes is among the best in MLS. Given how much GAM the Rapids had been holding, an intra-league move was always likely to be in the cards for the team. Getting a flashy winger in Minoungou is good business even if it comes with less of the proven goalscoring ability.

🧨Sam Vines Signs with Houston Dynamo

After being waived and then subsequently bought out by the Colorado Rapids, Sam Vines now finds himself now in H-Town with the Houston Dynamo.

Houston Dynamo FC sign U.S. National Team defender Sam Vines | Houston Dynamo

HOUSTON (March 20, 2026) – Houston Dynamo FC signed free agent and U.S. Men’s National Team defender Sam Vines through 2027, the Club announced today. The 26-year-old joins the Dynamo following two stints with the Colorado Rapids (2018-21 and 2024-26), where he totaled 116 appearances for the club, and a

Houston Dynamo FCHouston Dynamo FC

Vines will add to Houston's backline depth providing cover for Lawrence Ennali who has seen some minutes at the LWB spot. Whether or not he plays into the starting position is to be seen. In 2023, Vines was transferred from Colorado Rapids to Belgian side Royal Antwerp and since his return to MLS in 2025 has struggled to achieve the production that got him that initial move to begin with. Now playing in a less important role, this change of scenery could be what Vines needed to reassume his position as a dangerous and lethal wing back playing in a more suitable role in Ben Olsen's 3-4-3.

🐾Sam Bassett Scores Golazo for Riverhounds

The Riverhounds picked up Sam Bassett ahead of their 2026 season and the former collegiate standout has been finding very productive minutes for Pittsburgh.

A New Engine on the Mon: Sam Bassett’s tactical evolution fuels Hounds’ midfield

When Sam Bassett’s 30-yard strike hit the back of the net in the 27th minute on Saturday night, it wasn’t just a highlight-reel moment—it was a statement of intent. For the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, the 3-2 victory over Jacksonville showcased a team finding its rhythm, but more importantly, it highlighted the emergence of a versatile new […]

Pittsburgh Soccer NowJohn Krysinsky

His 30-yard-golazo is a thing of beauty. The former University of Denver midfielder had always showcased his talent and ability at the collegiate level. He's now in a position to fully nurture that talent and progress as an every week starter for the Riverhounds. He'll have plenty of more rise in his career if he keeps this form up.