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The NWSL is back and so is Sophia Wilson.
The Portland Thorns and U.S. women’s national team forward made her triumphant return on Friday night to the NWSL regular season pitch before a sellout crowd of 19,215 in Washington, D.C.
The Olympic gold medalist and one third of the Triple Espresso from the Paris Games entered the match against the Spirit in the 76th minute, subbing on for teammate Pietra Tordin. Wilson took the pitch to the cheers of fans, even as the home team trailed 1-0 thanks to an Olivia Moultrie goal in the 53rd.
Wilson’s return has been more than a year in the making. She last featured for the Thorns in a regular season match on Nov. 11, 2024, playing 89 minutes in their 2-1 loss against Gotham FC. The 25-year-old missed the entirety of the 2025 season while out on maternity leave. She has been using the preseason to ease her way back into the pitch.
Wilson returned to Portland this offseason after exercising the option year on her current contract and becoming the first player agree to a contract worth $1 million, a source confirmed to The Athletic. USWNT teammate Trinity Rodman has since surpassed that figure with her three year deal to stay at the Spirit
Wilson featured for Portland last week in their final preseason match ahead of the regular season start, entering the pitch in the 75th minute. The Thorns ended the night with a 5-1 victory over Mexican club C.F. Monterrey.
In January, Wilson told reporters during NWSL Media Day in Los Angeles her goal was to be back on the pitch by NWSL opening day. “I will be ready for opening day,” she said, during brief media availability. “I hope to get small minutes.”
While Wilson was also hopeful then for her potential return to the USWNT for the SheBelieves Cup, her return to the national team remains pending as many yearn for a Triple Espresso reunion along side Rodman and Mallory Swanson.
For now, a double espresso with Rodman and Wilson on opposing teams on a Friday night in D.C. will have to do.
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
Portland Thorns, Washington Spirit, NWSL, Women's Soccer
2026 The Athletic Media Company
Continue reading...
The Portland Thorns and U.S. women’s national team forward made her triumphant return on Friday night to the NWSL regular season pitch before a sellout crowd of 19,215 in Washington, D.C.
The Olympic gold medalist and one third of the Triple Espresso from the Paris Games entered the match against the Spirit in the 76th minute, subbing on for teammate Pietra Tordin. Wilson took the pitch to the cheers of fans, even as the home team trailed 1-0 thanks to an Olivia Moultrie goal in the 53rd.
Wilson’s return has been more than a year in the making. She last featured for the Thorns in a regular season match on Nov. 11, 2024, playing 89 minutes in their 2-1 loss against Gotham FC. The 25-year-old missed the entirety of the 2025 season while out on maternity leave. She has been using the preseason to ease her way back into the pitch.
Wilson returned to Portland this offseason after exercising the option year on her current contract and becoming the first player agree to a contract worth $1 million, a source confirmed to The Athletic. USWNT teammate Trinity Rodman has since surpassed that figure with her three year deal to stay at the Spirit
Wilson featured for Portland last week in their final preseason match ahead of the regular season start, entering the pitch in the 75th minute. The Thorns ended the night with a 5-1 victory over Mexican club C.F. Monterrey.
In January, Wilson told reporters during NWSL Media Day in Los Angeles her goal was to be back on the pitch by NWSL opening day. “I will be ready for opening day,” she said, during brief media availability. “I hope to get small minutes.”
While Wilson was also hopeful then for her potential return to the USWNT for the SheBelieves Cup, her return to the national team remains pending as many yearn for a Triple Espresso reunion along side Rodman and Mallory Swanson.
For now, a double espresso with Rodman and Wilson on opposing teams on a Friday night in D.C. will have to do.
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
Portland Thorns, Washington Spirit, NWSL, Women's Soccer
2026 The Athletic Media Company
Continue reading...
