Lindsey Horan Eyes Hometown Play as Denver NWSL Team Takes Shape

DENVER, Colo. — Lindsey Horan, captain of the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team, expressed her desire to play for the new National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) expansion team in Denver during a recent podcast interview. The Colorado native, who is considered one of the top soccer players in the world, shared her excitement about the possibility of representing her hometown.

“Anyone would want to go and play for their respective hometown team,” Horan said. “It would just be cool; my parents don’t have to fly to a game. My whole family could come. I think it would be so special — if they want me.” Horan, originally from Golden, Colorado, started her professional career after signing with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2012, foregoing a scholarship to the University of North Carolina.

After leaving PSG, Horan joined the Portland Thorns in 2016, where she led the team to victory in the 2017 NWSL Championship. She later returned to France in 2022 with Lyon. Throughout her international career, Horan has tallied 36 goals and 37 assists in 161 appearances for the national team, contributing to their World Cup win in 2019 and earning an Olympic gold medal in 2024.

“You grow up there, and you give so much to your clubs and your youth clubs and your training environment,” Horan emphasized. “Now you have a team there, and players there, so all these little girls—and little boys even—get to look and see a women’s professional soccer team. How special is that? Obviously, I wish I had that when I was a little girl and going to see those games.”

Denver’s NWSL team was announced last month as the league’s 16th franchise. In a news conference, Rob Cohen, the team’s owner and governor, highlighted the importance of this milestone for the community, stating, “It’s so special that Denver’s getting a team.”

As preparations for the team’s inaugural season continue, the club is actively engaging fans in choosing the team’s name. A recent announcement encouraged supporters to participate in a poll to help define the club’s identity. “Help us choose the name that best represents our team and community,” the club said in a statement. Fans can also suggest names not on the list provided, ensuring engagement from all corners of the Denver community.

“From Day One, we’ve said that this club belongs to Colorado, and we’re putting that into action by letting our fans help shape its identity,” Cohen stated in a news release. The poll will close on February 26.

Interest in the team has surged since the announcement, breaking NWSL records for initial season ticket sales. The club is also working towards finalizing plans for a purpose-built stadium dedicated to professional women’s soccer, alongside a performance facility for female athletes, with further details to be revealed as plans are solidified.