Photo Credit: Portland Thorns/Fletcher Wold
The highly anticipated 2026 National Women’s Soccer League season kicked off on Friday night, with the Washington Spirit hosting the Portland Thorns at Audi Field. Despite being played on the notoriously superstitious date of Friday the 13th, the match unfolded with more predictability than excitement. In the end, the Thorns emerged victorious, defeating the home team in front of a packed crowd.
From the outset, the first half reflected the nerves of two teams starting their seasons. Both sides struggled to find their rhythm, with neither managing a shot on target. While Washington seemed slightly more cohesive, they failed to capitalize on their advantages, leaving Portland’s goalkeeper largely untroubled. The Thorns, recently adapting to a new direction under fresh head coach Robert Vilahamn—who joined just two days prior—certainly had their work cut out for them.
Though Washington created some promising opportunities, it was the Thorns who struck first and ultimately secured the game’s only goal. Midfielder Olivia Moultrie, the longest-tenured player in the Thorns squad at just 20 years old, netted the winning goal, assisted by second-year player Pietra Tordin. This marked an important milestone for Tordin, who recorded her first career NWSL assist.
Moultrie, who scored eight goals in the previous season, opened her account with great promise, stepping up in light of Sam Coffey’s departure to Manchester City. The loss of Coffey left a significant gap in the Thorns’ midfield, and Moultrie demonstrated her capabilities as a future leader, delivering a performance that showcased her growth and determination to shine in a pivotal role.
As the match progressed, neither team could muster many threatening chances, but it was Portland that made the most of its limited opportunities. The Thorns not only avenged their semifinal loss to the Spirit in the 2025 NWSL playoffs but also celebrated their first win at Washington since August 2022, marking a significant psychological boost for the team early in the season.
Fans were treated to a glimpse of excitement as Trinity Rodman displayed her usual offensive prowess, while Sophia Wilson (formerly Smith) made her long-awaited return following maternity leave. Wilson had previously appeared in a preseason friendly against C.F. Monterrey but stepped onto the pitch in a competitive match for the first time since November 2024.
As is customary in the season opener, both teams welcomed new talent. The Thorns featured debutants including goalkeeper Morgan Messner and midfielder Cassandra Bogere, stepping in for Coffey. Washington introduced Italian defender Lucia Di Guglielmo as a starter, with forward Tamara Bolt making her debut later in the match. Notably, 18-year-old Claudia Martínez made history, becoming the first Paraguayan player in the NWSL after being signed for a substantial $950,000 transfer fee from Club Olimpia.
While the opening match may not have provided a flurry of goals, it certainly sparked intriguing discussions regarding the season’s predictions. For Washington, the loss is an unwelcome start in their pursuit of the NWSL Shield, while Portland aims to establish their status as a top contender, despite the challenges of losing a key player and integrating a new coach.
