Expansion teams can be evaluated beyond results by focusing on entertainment value and on-field identity. New sides often struggle in early seasons, with most expansion teams finishing near the bottom rather than reaching playoffs. A more useful metric aligns with the league’s defining quality: chaos. Fun is measured by whether matches are engaging, unpredictable, and goal-filled. Denver Summit’s early games show this pattern, including a high-energy start with a red card, points against recent champions, and later stretches of scoreless draws followed by consistently goal-heavy matches. Even disappointing collapses can still produce an enjoyable viewing experience.
"On April 25, against then-league leaders San Diego, the Summit went into halftime up 2-0, but let San Diego tie it up before the 60th minute. Soon after, the usually very good defender Carson Pickett was the unlucky recipient of a low Dudinha cross, which deflected off of her into the net. The own goal completed San Diego's comeback, making for a collapse that Denver will want to forget, but boy did I have a good time watching it."
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