Nick Cushing on Denver Summit's Finishing Crisis

<p>Denver Summit FC's leading goal scorer this season is a center back — and after Sunday's 1-1 draw with Boston Legacy, that's not a fun trivia answer anymore, it's the whole problem. Denver had thirty-eight touches inside Boston's box and nine shots. One goal came out of it, a Janine Sonis penalty.</p><p></p><p>Kate Hanson spent time digging into why: a league-wide check of all sixteen NWSL teams found Sonis is the only defender leading her own club in scoring, anywhere in the league. Nick Cushing addresses it directly from Sunday's press conference and this week's practice — including his real answer on the Kössler-versus-Thomas competition for the number nine shirt.</p><p></p><p>Also this week: what Liverpool legend Gemma Bonner's signing means for a defensive line that could use a little lift and what to watch for Wednesday when Denver hosts North Carolina Courage — the first meeting ever between the clubs, against Ashley Sanchez who is leading her team in scoring.</p><p></p><p>Follow the show at @5280pitch on Instagram, Threads, and Facebook.</p><p>Sign up for the newsletter, find sweet merch, and everything else at <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://5280pitch.com" target="_blank">5280pitch.com</a>.</p>