The Portland Thorns headed into the international break third in the NWSL table, just behind San Diego Wave and Utah Royals.
How has each group fared so far? Here's the early season report card...
Goalkeeper(s): Mackenzie Arnold & Morgan Messner
Grade: A-
In her first two NWSL starts, Morgan Messner opened the season with consecutive shutouts.
The only other players to make their NWSL debuts with a clean sheet? Nadine Angerer and Bella Bixby. The only player to do it twice in a row? Morgan Messner.
Mackenzie "Macca" Arnold has been terrific for the Portland Thorns and is currently third in the NWSL in goals prevented at 5.0 – behind only Jane Campbell and Abby Smith (5.1), although they have played both played one more game. She is also second in saves percentage at 78.4% (Ann-Katrin Berger) and saves per 90 (Jordan Silkowitz).
However, there's one lingering concern for the defense.
Backline: Marie Müller, Reyna Reyes, M.A. Vignola, Sam Hiatt, Isa Obaze, Carolyn Calzada, Jayden Perry, and Mallie McKenzie
Grade: B-
First off, credit has to go to the defense after recording seven shutouts in their first 13 matches. It's an impressive feat that is second in the NWSL (Gotham FC).
Captain Sam Hiatt has led the way and is in the top five in major statistics: blocks and clearances.
Who is the second center back next to her?
M.A. Vignola looks to be one of the biggest trade steals in recent memory and her presence has been massive. Reyna Reyes solidifies the right side and has been quiet and steady. Marie Müller's return to play included time as a winger. The trio have been every bit the tandem everyone expected.
Unfortunately the home and away splits are staggering. They've given up just two goals at home, but 12 on the road. Those 14 goals conceded are tied for eighth most in the league.
The Portland Thorns have also conceded a combined xG of 20.6 - fifth most.
The biggest reason they've been successful? They lead in clearances per match.
What is the biggest concern? Unfortunately, the backline has struggled to play out of the press and elude the initial line of confrontation. The blueprint is out on the team and unless it gets cleaned up, will remain there the rest of the season.
Midfield: Olivia Moultrie, Jessie Fleming, Cassandra Ella Bogere, Shae Harvey, Jennie Immethun, Deyna Castellanos, Renee Lyles
Grade: B
Olivia Moultrie's star continues to rise and leads the team with five goals and four assists. Her nine goal contributions is second-most in the league. She is an MVP candidate and could complete the NWSL's first ever double-double season. The midfielder is in the top five for xG and chances created.
Jessie Fleming has taken her game to a whole new level and been the key to unlocking the defense and attack. She is also tied for the most minutes played and the club has needed her for every bit of their early-season success. When the CANWNT captain has been able to get forward, it has been devastating - top 10 in chances created.
Their struggle? After the departure of superstar Sam Coffey, the Portland Thorns have struggled to find a suitable replacement. Cassandra Bogere has seen the most opportunities but has struggled with the early red card and consistency throughout her first season in the NWSL. Jennie Immethun and Shae Harvey have shown flashes, but have yet to see extended opportunities.
It's clear the club will need to find a six this summer window and allow the young players to continue to develop and grow. It's also the missing piece in midfield.
A likely departure? Deyna Castellanos. It's very apparent this isn't the right fit for her and club will probably look to find her a better situation.
Frontline: Sophia Wilson, Pietra Tordin, Reilyn Turner, Mimi Alidou, Maddie Padelski
Grade: A
Soph Wilson is officially back. She is tied for the team lead in goals with five and has added key defensive improvements into her game. The forward is ranked third in xG, only behind Temwa Chawinga and Barbra Banda.
Pietra Tordin has become a playmaker and is tied for the team league in assists with four, and also has three goals on the season.
Reilyn Turner's 2025 campaign included six goals, and now she has started off 2026 with four more. The forward has been a bit banged up early in the season.
The team's 20 goals leads the NWSL.
With Caiya Hanks expected back later this summer and Morgan Weaver just a month behind her, the frontline will arguably have the most firepower in the league and have the flexibility to rotate and keep everyone fresh.
They've put everyone on notice already, and all options will be available soon.
Coaching: Robert Vilahamn, Sarah Lowdon, Vytas, Jen Lalor, Mattias Gustafsson
Grade: B+
Who had the Portland Thorns near the top of the NWSL table at this point in the season? Not many to say the least...
Leading off with Sarah Lowdon and Vytas through preseason, she has been influential leading the team until the regular season. As the first assistant coach, she continues to be a key part of the new staff.
Instead of coming in and changing things overnight, new head coach Robert Vilahamn has done it the right way. Since day one, he has been on the go, nonstop.
Why has the transition been quite seamless? He has gradually implemented his football as the season goes on. Vilahamn hasn't overhauled, instead improved on things. If you ever want to know why he makes certain decisions, he'll tell you in any presser - how refreshing is that?
Vytas has been a key developmental coach since the start of his time as assistant coach, and continues to get more responsibility. Players have consistently raved about his efforts.
Goalkeeping coach Mattias Gustafsson and assistant coach Jen Lalor are the latest additions to the technical staff - they've both drawn high praise from Vilahamn.
Are there still concerns moving forward? Absolutely, but without a preseason, they'll have to work those out during the season.
Can they fix the obvious issues against the press? That's the first step.
One thing is clear, they've found a way to get to put almost every single player in a position to succeed.
Front Office: President and General Manager of Soccer Operations - Jeff Agoos
Grade: B-/C+
Jeff Agoos' first crucial hire came at head coach and he chose Robert Vilahamn. It was a coaching decision that was heavily scrutinized at the time, and rightfully so.
Now? It's been a decision many have continue to get onboard with as the season progresses. Vilahamn's appointment has been validated with the early success.
What's next?
The club still have a glaring need at defensive midfielder and should still be in the market for a ball-carrying and playmaking center back.
They added Carolyn Calzada, Cassandra Bogere, and Shae Harvey as their main additions in the winter. Although they have shown flashes, it's not enough in an underwhelming secondary window for the club.
Will Agoos and ownership push the rest of the chips all in this summer? Time to find out.
If they believe in what they found in Vilahamn, the club must recognize that he also deserves to have personnel in place who can play the system that he wants.
One last thing, ownership deserves all the credit in the world for opening up a state-of-the-art training facility for the Portland Thorns and Portland Fire. It'll be a unforgettable moment, but can they continue the momentum in by going for it this summer window too?
