Thorns Defeat Spirit 1–0 at Audi Field in NWSL Season Opener.

Photo Credit: Thomas Sellers IV

A sellout crowd welcomed the start of the NWSL season at Audi Field, but the Portland Thorns capitalized on their chances to defeat the Washington Spirit in the home opener.

Despite creating several attacking chances and controlling 62% of possession, Washington was unable to break through the defense. The match’s defining moment came when Olivia Moultrie scored less than two minutes into the second half, marking the first goal of the 2026 NWSL season. 

Washington began the match by setting the tempo early, getting the ball forward through to Rodman and the attacking line. By halftime, the Spirit had more possession, 61% for the Spirit and 39% for Portland. Afterward, González said the team needs to improve its ball control, especially in the attacking half. Portland finished the half with one shot on goal, compared to Washington’s four.

The momentum of the match shifted early in the second half when Portland found its first real scoring opportunity and caught Washington’s defense off guard. Portland’s Moultrie finished the chance to give the Thorns the lead less than two minutes after halftime. Washington now had to seek an equalizer and increase attacking pressure. 

The match became increasingly physical. Washington won 14 tackles while Portland finished with 13. The Spirit also blocked six shots, committing eight fouls. Gabrielle Carle went down during a one-on-one challenge and appeared to injure her right ankle, requiring attention from the training staff. Carle has recently re-signed through 2029 and is in her fourth NWSL season, all with the Spirit.

Photo Credit: Thomas Sellers IV

Finally, the moment came for Rodman’s USWNT teammate, Portland’s Sophia Wilson, to return to the NWSL in the 76th minute. As one-third of the USWNT attacking trio known as “Triple Espresso,” alongside Mallory Swanson and Rodman, Wilson made her first appearance since November 2024, following the birth of her daughter Gianna (Gigi). Also a 2024 Olympic gold medalist, Wilson’s return drew cheers from the crowd.

Rodman signed a record-breaking contract worth over $2 million per year. She is a two-time Ballon d’Or Féminin finalist. She is also a 2024 Olympic gold medalist. In the 78th minute, Rodman attempted to create a scoring opportunity with a header that sailed just over the crossbar. Portland’s Reyna Reyes attempted to draw a foul.

Lucia Di Guglielmo made her debut. She previously played in the UEFA Women’s Euro last summer. Di Guglielmo is expected to build chemistry alongside Rodman. Washington hopes the addition will improve defensive depth.

Despite chilly temperatures, the atmosphere remained electric. Friday’s match featured a cherry-blossom-inspired jersey called the “Spirit in Bloom” kit.  

At halftime, the broadcast played a video highlighting Rodman’s impact on the team and fans. In the video, one fan said, “Young girls can see a path of professional soccer, and Trinity Rodman represents that path, so even though it’s about Trinity Rodman, it’s about the future young ladies who are in there watching in the stands.”

As the match entered the final minutes, Washington began to search for an answer. The Spirit created several late opportunities, including Trinity Rodman’s header attempt. Washington finished the match with three corner kicks compared to Portland’s two. The Spirit also recorded two offsides and six blocked shots during the match. In the end, Washington was unable to capitalize on their late chances, even with six minutes of extra time added to regulation.

After the match, goalkeeper Sandy MacIver reflected on the result. MacIver said, “It’s too long a season to dwell on this game. Yeah, it’s a long season, we’ll see where we are in November, but I think this team has a lot of potential.” She also added that she feels lucky to be part of the club, and Washington has one of the best fan bases in the league.

Star forward Trinity Rodman also spoke about the energy from the sellout crowd. Rodman said, “The passion in the stands creates a lot of fun I think, even in little moments when my shoe comes off and I get to interact. Like the funny things, the lighthearted things that happen in a game, to be able to interact with the crowd and take advantage of that I think is really cool because of how intense the game can get.”

Photo Credit: Thomas Sellers IV

The loss comes after Washington finished the 2025 season with a record of 12 wins, 6 losses, and 8 draws. The Spirit reached the 2025 NWSL final before falling to Gotham. Now entering the first full season under head coach Adrián González, Washington will look to build momentum early in the season, with their next match against Racing Louisville. With a long season still ahead, the Spirit hopes to learn from the opener and grow as a team.

Written By: Emily Giecek