A Tightly Contested First Half

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.

Moultrie Makes the Difference

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.

New Faces on the Pitch

The opening fixture served as a premier for multiple athletes across both sides. The match featured several noteworthy debuts:

• Goalkeeper Morgan Messner and midfielder Cassandra Bogere stepped onto the pitch for Portland.
• Defender Lucia Di Guglielmo and forward Tamara Bolt made their first appearances for Washington.
• Claudia Martínez etched her name into the record books by becoming the inaugural Paraguayan player to compete in the NWSL.