Olivia Moultrie goal carries Thorns past Spirit in NWSL opener

Olivia Moultrie scored in the 51st minute and the visiting Portland Thorns earned a 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit on Friday in the opening match of the 2026 NWSL season.

Moultrie followed her heavy touch in the penalty area and scored with her left foot past Spirit goalkeeper Sandy MacIver, and the Portland defense finished off the shutout. Moultrie had a career-best eight regular-season goals last season.

Portland goalkeeper Morgan Messner made one save, while MacIver made two saves for Washington.

Forward Trinity Rodman played her first game since re-signing with the Spirit in the offseason after rumors she might continue her career in Europe.

The match revisited a semifinal from last season when the Spirit earned a 2-0 victory over the Thorns to advance to the championship game, where they lost 1-0 to Gotham FC.

Washington directed the pace of play with 61% of possession in the first half and 62% in the game. The Spirit had 13 shots to nine for the Thorns.

Portland's Sophia Wilson came on as a substitute in the 77th minute, making her first appearance since November of 2024 after going on maternity leave. Wilson was the league MVP in 2022.

--Field Level Media