In soccer, there is nothing better than a little revenge.
Portland fell 2-0 to the Spirit at Audi Field in last year's NWSL semifinal. On Friday night, in front of a sellout crowd of 19,215 at the same ground, the Thorns opened their 2026 season by flipping the script. Olivia Moultrie scored the only goal in the 52nd minute and a gritty defensive performance held on for Portland's first road shutout against Washington since 2021.
The first half was tense and scoreless. Both defenses were locked in, breaking up attacking buildups before they could develop. Washington had more possession but couldn't create clear chances. Portland were compact, disciplined, and patient.
Seven minutes into the second half, the breakthrough. Isabella Obaze connected with Pietra Tordin, who laid the ball off for Moultrie. She broke past Tara Rudd and finished with a shot Sandy MacIver couldn't reach. 1-0 Portland. Moultrie's 19th career NWSL goal. Tordin's first NWSL assist.
Washington pushed for the equalizer. Hal Hershfelt hit the crossbar in the 75th minute. Trinity Rodman had a late header in the 87th that went high and wide. Neither was enough. Morgan Messner, making her first NWSL regular-season start, handled everything the Spirit threw at her and recorded the clean sheet.
Then, in stoppage time, the moment the crowd had been waiting for on a different axis: Sophia Wilson entered the match. Her first NWSL minutes since October 2024. Back from maternity leave. Golden Boot winner. Gigi's mom. The NWSL posted it with no additional context needed.
Robert Vilahamn -- whose visa was approved just days before the match -- won his coaching debut. First-year Thorns coaches are now 5-0-2 in debut matches. The culture wins even when the coach is brand new.
By the Numbers
- Possession: Washington 60%, Portland 40%
- Shots: Washington 4, Portland 1 (on target: 0-0 at halftime)
- Attendance: 19,215 (sellout)
- Referee: Brad Jensen
- Broadcast: Prime Video
Starting XI
Portland (approximate 4-2-3-1): Messner; Hiatt, Obaze, Reyes, Vignola; Fleming, Bogere; Tordin, Moultrie, Alidou; Turner
Bench: Wilson, Padelski, Harvey, Muller, Perry, Wood, McKenzie, Spaanstra, Loboa
Washington (4-3-3): MacIver; Di Guglielmo, Rudd, Morgan, Carle; Hershfelt, Bernal, Santos; Kouassi, Rodman, Monday
What It Means
Portland are 1-0-0 with 3 points. They beat last year's Championship runner-up on the road. Moultrie looks ready to carry the attacking load while Wilson builds fitness. Cassandra Bogere slotted into the midfield role left by Sam Coffey and was solid. Messner proved she can hold the net while Mackenzie Arnold is on international duty.
The Thorns are back in Portland on Friday, March 20 at 7:00 PM for the home opener against Seattle Reign. It's Dark Mode Night -- wear black. The 44th edition of the Cascadia Rivalry. Providence Park is going to be loud.
What's Next
- Full 30-game schedule with dates, times, TV, and theme nights
- Game Day Guide: Providence Park -- transit, food, the Riveters, and what to wear
- Can't make the home opener? Watch at The Sports Bra or host your own watch party