Wilson returns from maternity leave in Thorns’ NWSL opener victory

Portland Thorns forward Sophia Wilson returned to the court in a competitive match for the first time in more than a year Friday in her team’s 1-0 win over the Washington Spirit at Audi Field to open the 2026 NWSL season.

Wilson, the 2022 NWSL MVP, gave birth to a daughter in September and spent the last year on maternity leave. She entered Friday’s match as a 77th-minute substitute. Midfielder Olivia Moultrie scored the only goal in the 52nd minute to give Portland the victory in Washington, DC.

Wilson, who played for the United States during their gold medal run at the 2024 Olympics, had last played for the Thorns in their 2024 quarterfinal, 488 days earlier. She announced in early 2025 that she was expecting her first child.

“Being his mom is just the most special thing ever,” Wilson said during the Prime Video broadcast before the game. “I feel so lucky. I think it makes me feel like I’m playing for something much bigger than what I was playing for before.”

For the first time since 2024…
MVP. Winner of the Golden Boot. Gigi’s mom.

Sophia Wilson returns to the NWSL. pic.twitter.com/12qzoEMVfa

– National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 14, 2026

Wilson scored a shot on goal in second-half injury time.

“What we talked about this morning was not just coming back, but trying to push her to be even better than before,” new Thorns coach Robert Vilahamn said after the game.

“Some of the players I’ve had have had a baby and they come back even stronger, even more motivated, and I think I’m going to try to push her every time. [way] I can make sure she gets back into the national team and can dominate this league and the football of this country.”

Friday’s match was a rematch of the 2025 NWSL semifinal in November, which the Spirit won 2-0. The Spirit lost in the final last year for the second straight season. Portland has had a rough offseason.

Former captain Sam Coffey left for Manchester City in a major move in January.

Former Thorns coach Rob Gale was fired at the end of November. Vilahamn only joined the team this week after a delayed hiring process that stretched into February and a brief wait to get his visa.

Vilahamn came from Sweden and met the team for the first time in Washington, D.C., during a snowy practice Thursday.

“As soon as Robert was able to communicate with the staff, they were all on the same page,” Moultrie said. “Even though he’s literally been here for about 24 hours, I think he’s done a great job coming in, being clear and bringing great energy. I’m very excited to see what else we can build now that he’s here full time.”

The Thorns’ goal started with possession in their own half. Defender Isabella Obaze dribbled through midfield and passed the ball to striker Pietra Tordin on the left flank. Tordin played a low, cut-back pass to Moultrie, who touched the ball around Spirit defender Tara Rudd and used her left foot to put the ball past Washington goalkeeper Sandy MacIver.

“I think Olivia Moultrie has the potential to become the best player in the world,” Vilahamn said. “She’s so good and she has so much passion. Sophia is already one of the best players in the world. It’s so nice to see her coming back with energy and getting minutes now, so I’m very happy with that.”