Washington Spirit and Portland Thorns Face Off in NWSL Opener

The two powerhouse teams kick off the 2026 NWSL season in highly anticipated matchup.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:24pm

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The Washington Spirit and Portland Thorns, two of the National Women's Soccer League's top teams, will face off in the opening match of the 2026 NWSL season. The game is expected to be a closely contested battle between the two perennial championship contenders.

Why it matters

The NWSL is the premier women's professional soccer league in the United States, and this matchup between the Spirit and Thorns features some of the best players in the world. The outcome of this game could set the tone for the rest of the season and have major implications for the playoff race.

The details

Both the Spirit and Thorns are loaded with talent, including several players who have represented the U.S. Women's National Team. The Spirit will be led by star striker Ashley Hatch, while the Thorns will counter with the dynamic duo of Lindsey Horan and Christine Sinclair.

  • The game will take place on March 13, 2026 at 7:00 PM EST.

The players

Washington Spirit

A professional women's soccer team based in Washington, D.C. that competes in the National Women's Soccer League.

Portland Thorns

A professional women's soccer team based in Portland, Oregon that competes in the National Women's Soccer League.

Ashley Hatch

A forward for the Washington Spirit who has also played for the U.S. Women's National Team.

Lindsey Horan

A midfielder for the Portland Thorns who has also played for the U.S. Women's National Team.

Christine Sinclair

A forward for the Portland Thorns who is the all-time leading international goal scorer, male or female.

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What they’re saying

“This is going to be an epic matchup between two of the best teams in the league. The fans are in for a real treat.”

— Megan Rapinoe, NWSL Analyst (ESPN)

“We're excited to get the season started against such a tough opponent. It's going to take our best effort to come away with the win.”

— Becky Sauerbrunn, Portland Thorns Captain (The Oregonian)

What’s next

The winner of this match will take an early lead in the NWSL standings and establish themselves as a top contender for the league championship.

The takeaway

This highly anticipated season opener between the Washington Spirit and Portland Thorns showcases the depth of talent in the NWSL and the intense rivalry between two of the league's premier franchises.