The 2026 NWSL season begins tonight in Buzzard Point! In the first match of the year, Washington Spirit will face Portland Thorns FC, the first step in their campaign to bring home an NWSL trophy.

Adrián González said preparing for today had been “a challenge” because of players missing time in camp for international duty but that the high number of players and staff returning from the past two seasons meant it was easy for them to pick back up on the tactics, while new players are learning quickly. Given those conditions, the team should be expected to play similarly to how they did last year, with additional refinements hopefully on the way. The biggest changes for the Spirit will be Sandy MacIver taking over in goal and the return midfielder Andi Sullivan from maternity leave. (Ed. note: After publication, Andi Sullivan was added to the availability report.)

For the season, Gonzalez’s focus is on daily improvement, developing players and “trying to be as unpredictable as possible” on the field.

The Thorns were a top team in 2025, but their semifinal match against Washington exposed some weaknesses, and the offseason brought some additional struggles. Rob Gale was fired at the end of the season, and new coach Robert Vilahamn has only just arrived in the United States. Portland also bid farewell to captain Sam Coffey in the offseason, a move that will disrupt their midfield dominance. On the other hand, star attacker Sophia Wilson has returned from maternity leave and could be available tonight, joining a group of talented young players to challenge the Spirit’s backline.

Key Player: Leicy Santos

With Croix Bethune departed to Kansas City, much of the responsibilty for midfield creativity will fall to Leicy Santos, but there’s no question that she’s up for the challenge. Anyone who watched Colombia’s SheBelieves Cup game against the US knows the impact Santos can have in the goal area. Her sharp, one-touch passing, paired with a strong sense of her teammates’ positioning can create a myriad of chances for the Spirit. She’s also a set piece specialist and will be a danger on any free kicks in the final third.

Watch Out For: Olivia Moultrie

Another dangerous kicker, Olivia Moultrie was the Thorns’ leading goalscorer last year and their chief playmaker. Her performance earned her a more prominent role on the U.S. Women’s National Team, and she should be expected to continue developing and threatening opponents this year.

Challenges: The Spirit will need to stay organized defensively to guard against any surprises the new Portland may bring, while finding ways to be creative on the attack.

Previously: In their most recent meeting, the Spirit defeated Portland 2-0 in a semifinal match to advance to the 2025 NWSL Finals. Historically, the Thorns have the lead, with six Spirit wins, eight draws, and 16 Portland wins.

Portland Thorns FC Availability:

Out: Mackenzie Arnold (international duty), Bella Bixby (knee), Deyna Castellanos (hip), Julie Dufour (knee), Caiya Hanks (knee), Morgan Weaver (knee)

Questionable: None

Washington Spirit Availability:

Out: Ashley Hatch (maternity leave), Aubrey Kingsbury (maternity leave), Casey Krueger (maternity leave), Andi Sullivan (illness), Élisabeth Tsé (calf), Kate Wiesner (calf)

Questionable: None

Location: Audi Field, Washington, DC
Kickoff time: 8 p.m. ET
Referee: Brad Jensen
Available streaming: Amazon Prime