Expansion Summit Signs USWNT Captain – Equalizer Soccer

Dec 1, 2025; Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; United States midfielder Lindsey Heaps (10) passes the ball against Italy during the first half at Chase Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Lindsey Heaps from Colorado has agreed to join Denver Summit FC after finishing her season with Lyon in the French Première Ligue. The 31-year-old will sign on a free transfer lasting until the 2029 NWSL season and is expected to arrive in June.

“I’m incredibly excited to come home to Colorado and join Denver Summit FC,” Heaps stated. “This club is special for the league and the community, especially for young players here.”

A team representative mentioned it is unclear if part of Heaps’ contract will utilize High Impact Player funds.

Heaps’ signing is a significant move for the upcoming expansion teams, with Boston Legacy FC joining Denver Summit FC this season. She is returning to the NWSL after playing for Portland Thorns FC from 2016 to 2021 before moving to Lyon, initially on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.

During her time with Portland, Heaps helped secure four trophies, including the 2017 NWSL Championship, where she scored the winning goal and was named MVP. The Thorns also won shields in 2016 and 2021, along with the 2021 Challenge Cup. In 2018, Heaps was named league MVP when the Thorns narrowly lost in the NWSL Championship.

At Lyon, Heaps won the league four times and claimed a UEFA Champions League title. Currently, her team is performing well in the league and progressing to the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

“I’m fully committed to finishing the season strong with Lyon and look forward to starting this next chapter in Denver this summer,” Heaps added.

Heaps played her entire Thorns career under her former name, Lindsey Horan.

On the international stage, Heaps has been capped 170 times by the United States and scored 38 goals. She was part of the 2019 World Cup championship team and started all six matches leading to an Olympic gold medal in 2024.

“Lindsey will elevate our team and embody our club’s ambitions both on and off the field,” said Summit FC Head Coach Nick Cushing. “She has a track record of winning and will set a high standard for Summit FC when she arrives this summer. We are excited to welcome a hometown player back to Denver.”