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: Portland 40%, Washington Spirit 60%
- Shots: Portland 1, Washington Spirit 4
- Shots on Target: Portland 1, Washington Spirit 0
- Attendance: 19,215
- Referee: Brad Jensen
- Broadcast: Prime Video
Starting XI
Portland (4-2-3-1): messner, hiatt, obaze, reyes, vignola, fleming, bogere, turner, moultrie, alidou, tordin
Bench: wilson, padelski, harvey, muller, perry, wood, mckenzie, spaanstra, loboa
What's Next
- Full 30-game schedule with dates, times, TV, and theme nights
- Game Day Guide: Providence Park for transit, food, the Riveters, and what to wear
- Can't make the next one? Watch at The Sports Bra or host your own watch party
- Portland women's sports calendar with every Fire, Thorns, and Cascade game on one page
- Full 2026 roster with every player profile, stats, and highlights
- Why Portland is Title Town: three teams, three championships, one city
Players in This Match
Post-Match FAQ
What was the Thorns score today?
Portland Thorns 1, Washington Spirit 0 on March 13 at Audi Field in Washington, DC.
Who scored for the Thorns tonight?
Olivia Moultrie scored in the 52nd minute. Pietra Tordin provided the assist.
What is the Thorns' record in 2026?
1-0-0 with 3 points after the opening match.
What was the attendance at the Thorns game?
19,215 (sellout) at Audi Field in Washington, DC.
What formation did the Thorns play?
Robert Vilahamn used a 4-2-3-1 in his coaching debut.
What was Portland's next match after Washington?
One week later at Providence Park, the Thorns beat Seattle Reign 2-0 on Dark Mode Night, with goals from Pietra Tordin and Reilyn Turner in front of a then-record NWSL crowd. Read the [Seattle recap](/thorns/matches/2026-03-20-sea-por/).
Did Sophia Wilson play tonight?
Yes. Wilson came on as a substitute in the 77th minute for Pietra Tordin. Her first NWSL minutes since October 2024.
How can I watch the Thorns?
This match was on Prime Video. Thorns games also air on CBS, ESPN, ION, KOIN 6, and NWSL+.