

The Portland Thorns opened the 2026 NWSL season with a resilient road victory over the Washington Spirit, secured by a decisive Olivia Moultrie strike.
The 2026 National Women’s Soccer League campaign commenced at Audi Field, where both squads exhibited a lack of offensive rhythm early on. While the host club appeared to generate the more dangerous attacking phases, the visiting squad demonstrated impressive resilience amidst recent roster adjustments. Ultimately, Portland proved far more clinical, converting their sparse looks at the net to secure their first triumph on Washington's home turf since August 2022.
Midfielder Olivia Moultrie netted the solitary goal of the contest, earning the distinction of scoring the first goal of the new campaign. The longest-tenured active member of the Thorns found the back of the net thanks to a setup from Pietra Tordin. The play marked Tordin's initial career NWSL assist, ensuring a successful beginning for the road team.
The opening fixture served as a premier for multiple athletes across both sides. The match featured several noteworthy debuts: