- May 21, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
Sophia Wilson has roared back from her 2025 absence to finish the 2026 NWSL regular season with 15 goals, ranking third in the league behind Ashley Sanchez and Barbra Banda. Her return gives Portland Thorns a genuine threat as they prepare to visit Washington Spirit in Sunday's quarterfinal at Audi Field.
The Thorns suffered a major setback when Olivia Moultrie went down injured after just 16 games. Into that void stepped 22-year-old midfielder Pietra Tordin, who responded with eight goals and nine assists—the third-most assists in the league. Her 51 key passes include 20 directly to Wilson, a connection that has driven Portland's attack and earned Tordin a United States debut against Spain.
Washington enter as favourites with home advantage and a roster built to contend, yet defensive lapses have left them vulnerable. Coach Adrian Gonzalez also faces the weight of expectation, with anything short of an NWSL title potentially costing him his position.
Portland, meanwhile, carry little pressure. Rebounding from Moultrie's loss has them playing loose, and the Wilson-Tordin partnership gives them genuine upset potential against a Spirit side chasing a third straight final appearance.
Kickoff is 3 p.m. ET on ABC.
Mickey's Angle: Portland's "nothing to lose" mindset plus a hot creative link in Tordin-Wilson makes them a live underdog against a Washington side feeling the heat at home.
Source: CBS Sports - written by Mickey the Mouth from the original report.