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Jeff Kassoff
multiple authors
portland forks Ahead Sophia Wilson She returned to the field in her team’s competitive match on Friday for the first time in more than a year. win 1-0 Above washington spirit At Audi Field to open 2026 nwsl Season.
Wilson, the 2022 NWSL MVP, gave birth to a daughter in September and spent last year on maternity leave. She came on as a substitute in the 77th minute of Friday’s match. midfielder olivia moultrie Portland defeated Washington D.C. by scoring the only goal in the 52nd minute. led to victory in
Wilson, who starred for United States of America Last played for the Thorns in the 2024 quarterfinals, 488 days ago, in their 2024 Olympic gold medal race. She announced in early 2025 that she is expecting her first child.
“Being her mom is the most special thing ever,” Wilson said on the Prime Video broadcast before the match. “I feel very fortunate. I think it makes me feel like I’m playing for something bigger, a lot bigger than what I was playing for before.”
For the first time after 2024…
MVP. Golden Boot winner. Gigi’s mother.Sophia Wilson returned to the NWSL. pic.twitter.com/12qzoEMVfa
– National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) 14 March 2026
Wilson recorded a shot on goal in second-half stoppage time.
“What we talked about this morning was not just about coming back, but really trying to motivate him to be even better than he already is,” new Thorns coach Robert Villahman said after the game.
“Some of the players I have have had kids and they’ve come back even stronger, even more motivated, and I think I’m going to try to push them every time.” [way] “I can make sure he gets back into the national team and make sure he can dominate this league and football for this country.”
Friday’s game was a rematch of the 2025 NWSL semifinal in November, which the Spirit won 2–0. The Spirit lost in the finals last year for the second consecutive season. Portland faced a difficult offseason.
former captain Sam Coffee departed for Manchester City In a major transfer in January.
Former Thorns coach Rob Gale was fired in late November. Villahman did not join the team until this week, after delays in the recruitment process that stretched until February and a short wait to obtain a visa.
Villahman flew in from Sweden and met the team for the first time in Washington, D.C., at a snowy training session on Thursday.
“As soon as Robert was able to communicate with the staff, they all got on the same page,” Moultrie said. “Even though he’s only been here for about 24 hours, I think he’s done a great job coming in, showing clarity and bringing great energy. I’m very excited to see what else we’ll be able to create now that he’s here full time.”
The Thorns’ goal began in possession in their own half. guard Isabella Obese Dribbled through midfield and passed the ball forward pietra tordin On the left side. Tordin delivered a low, cutback pass to Moultrie, who tipped the ball around the Spirit defender. Tara Rudd and used his left foot to pass the ball past the Washington goalkeeper Sandy McIver.
“I think Olivia Moultrie has the potential to be the best player in the world,” Villahman said. “She’s very good and has a lot of passion. Sofia is already one of the best players in the world. It’s great to see her come back with energy and getting minutes, so I’m very happy with that.”
