The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) roared back to life on March 13, 2026, as the Portland Thorns and Washington Spirit squared off in a season opener that was as much about redemption as it was about new beginnings. With Audi Field in Washington, D.C. packed to its 19,215-fan capacity, the Thorns eked out a 1-0 victory, thanks to a decisive second-half goal from Olivia Moultrie. This win not only marked a triumphant start for new Thorns head coach Robert Vilahamn but also served as a measure of revenge after last season’s playoff heartbreak at the hands of the Spirit.
The atmosphere at Audi Field was electric from the opening whistle. Fans packed the stands, eager to witness the rematch of the 2025 NWSL semifinals, where the Spirit had toppled the Thorns 2-0 to secure a spot in the league final. Both teams had impressive runs last year—Washington finishing second in the regular season with 44 points, Portland close behind with 40. Playoff history and offseason storylines set the stage for a clash brimming with anticipation.
On the pitch, the Thorns entered the contest with several new faces and some notable absences. The offseason saw the departure of midfielder Sam Coffey to Manchester City, leaving a void in Portland’s midfield. Injuries further depleted the squad: Deyna Castellanos was sidelined with a hip issue, while goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold was away on international duty. The Spirit, too, were not at full strength. USWNT defender Kate Wiesner and Canada Youth international Élisabeth Tsé both missed out due to calf injuries, and key players Ashley Hatch, Aubrey Kingsbury, and Casey Krueger were on maternity leave. Andi Sullivan, a midfield anchor for the Spirit, was also unavailable due to illness.
Despite these challenges, both teams fielded strong starting lineups. The Spirit’s attack featured the dynamic Trinity Rodman, fresh off signing a new three-year contract in the offseason—a move so significant it prompted the NWSL to introduce the “High Impact Player” rule, allowing teams to exceed the salary cap by up to $1 million for exceptional talents. Rodman was joined up front by Gift Monday and Rosemonde Kouassi, with Sandy MacIver guarding the net. The Thorns countered with a front line of Reilyn Turner, Pietra Tordin, and Marie-Yasmine Alidou D’Anjou, while Morgan Messner started in goal.
The first half saw the Spirit pressing hard, controlling possession and keeping the Thorns defense on its toes. Washington racked up 14 shots to Portland’s nine over the course of the match, but the visitors’ backline, anchored by Reyna Reyes and Isabella Bryld Obaze, held firm. Portland’s resilience paid off early in the second half. In the 52nd minute, Pietra Tordin threaded a crisp pass through to Olivia Moultrie, who darted past defender Tara Rudd and unleashed a low drive that slipped beyond MacIver’s reach. The stadium fell silent as the Thorns celebrated—Moultrie’s goal was her first as a 20-year-old, but the sixth-year NWSL veteran already looked every bit the seasoned pro.
“Moultrie broke by defender Tara Rudd and finished with a shot that Spirit goalkeeper Sandy MacIver couldn’t reach,” reported the Associated Press, capturing the moment that ultimately decided the contest. The goal was more than just a statistic—it was the culmination of months of hard work for Moultrie, who entered the season riding the momentum of an eight-goal campaign in 2025 and a total of 14 goals scored as a teenager.
The Spirit responded with urgency, determined to claw their way back into the game. In the 75th minute, Hal Hershfelt let fly with a powerful shot from distance that rattled the crossbar, drawing a collective gasp from the home crowd. Minutes later, Rodman nearly leveled the score with a header that looped just over the bar. The Thorns, however, weathered the storm, thanks in part to the steady hands of Messner and the disciplined defending of their back line.
Portland’s night featured another significant milestone: the return of Sophia Wilson. Once the Thorns’ leading scorer and a U.S. women’s national team regular, Wilson missed the entire 2025 season while on maternity leave, having given birth to her daughter in September. She made her NWSL comeback in the 77th minute, logging 16 touches and providing a boost of energy in the game’s closing stages. Wilson had already tasted action in a preseason match against C.F. Monterrey on March 6, but this was her first league appearance since 2024. Her presence on the field was a welcome sight for Thorns fans and a testament to the league’s growing support for players balancing motherhood and professional soccer.
For new head coach Robert Vilahamn, the victory was a dream debut. Having only joined the Thorns earlier in March, Vilahamn faced the daunting task of integrating new players and managing a squad hit by injuries and departures. Yet, his side showed grit, tactical discipline, and flashes of attacking flair—qualities that bode well for the season ahead. “It was a notable night for Portland beyond Vilahamn’s debut,” as OregonLive aptly put it, highlighting both the team’s resilience and the emotional return of Wilson.
While the Thorns celebrated their first road shutout against the Spirit since 2021, the hosts were left to rue missed chances. The Spirit’s sellout crowd, the largest for a home opener in club history, provided a raucous backdrop, but their team couldn’t find the finishing touch. Still, with Rodman locked in for three more years and a core of young talent, Washington remains a formidable force in the league.
The NWSL’s 14th season promises plenty of drama, especially with new rules like the “High Impact Player” designation shaking up roster construction. Thirty-one U.S. Women’s National Team players suited up across 14 clubs on opening weekend, underscoring the league’s growing stature and depth. The Thorns, now 1-0-0 with three points, will look to build on this result as they return home to face Seattle in their next match on March 20. The Spirit, meanwhile, will regroup and aim to rediscover their scoring touch as the season unfolds.
So, what a way to kick off the NWSL campaign! With storylines galore, passionate fans, and a new generation of stars stepping up, the league’s future looks brighter than ever. If the opener was any indication, 2026 is set to be a season to remember.