Portland Thorns news roundup: Opening day roster announced, projected starting XI, Robert Vilahamn's first media availability, and xOG previews the season

NWSL soccer is back tomorrow.

Yes, that wasn't a typo, you read that correctly.

The Portland Thorns head to "Rowdy Audi" to take on Washington Spirit in the 2026 NWSL season opener at 5 p.m. PST on Prime Video.

Ahead of the match, the club has released many updates:

Final Roster

Today, the Portland Thorns released their opening day roster for the 2026 season.

With that, more moves were announced.

First, with goalkeeper being shorthanded due to Mackenzie Arnold (injury/international duty) and Bella Bixby (SEI), the team made a move sign Chicago Stars' Mackenzie Wood via loan through the end of the 2026 season.

She first signed with Chicago in 2023, before receiving a three-year contract in August of that same year. Wood has earned three appearances for the Stars.

Lastly, preseason sensations Renee Lyles and Jennie Immethun signed short-term contracts through May 31, 2026. Lyles led the team with four goals in preseason - including a first half hat trick versus Rayadas. Immethun provides another option at the six and could hold even more versatility as a speedy option at CB.

2026 Opening Day Portland Thorns roster:

Goalkeepers (5): Mackenzie Arnold (INTL), Bella Bixby (SEI), Morgan Messner, Erin McKinney, Mackenzie Wood
Defenders (9): Carolyn Calzada, Daiane (LOAN), Sam Hiatt, Mallie McKenzie, Marie Müller (INTL), Isabella Obaze (INTL), Jayden Perry, Reyna Reyes, M.A. Vignola
Midfielders (7): Cassandra Bogere (INTL), Deyna Castellanos, Jessie Fleming (INTL), Shae Harvey, Jennie Immethun, Renee Lyles, Olivia Moultrie
Forwards (10): Mimi Alidou (INTL), Julie Dufour (SEI, INTL), Caiya Hanks (SEI), Valerin Loboa (INTL), Maddie Padelski, Alexa Spaanstra, Pietra Tordin, Reilyn Turner, Morgan Weaver (SEI), Sophia Wilson

INTL – Player holds an international roster slot; LOAN – Player out on loan;
SEI – Season-Ending Injury (SEI); ML – Maternity Leave

Note: Players on SEI or ML do not hold a spot on the active roster and do not count towards the NWSL’s 26-player roster limit.
Note: The Thorns currently possess eight international roster slots (INTL).

Projected Opening Day Starting XI

At the start of 2025, the Portland Thorns were already dealt massive blows when numerous players were out for the season.

At the start of 2026, they will be without Mackenzie Arnold (injury/international duty), Caiya Hanks, Morgan Weaver, and Julie Dufour.

New head coach Robert Vilahamn will be available for opening day after receiving visa clearance.

Even shorthanded, the Portland Thorns will see both Marie Müller and Soph Wilson available for minutes. Will they be starting? Highly unlikely.

Here's the likely projected starting XI:

Whether it is a double-pivot in a 4-2-3-1 or single pivot in a 4-3-3, these are the names you should expect to see on opening night.

Even if it's a double pivot, expect Fleming to have flexibility to play higher up - more like an six/eight combo.

The only other considerations could be if Lowdon/Vilahamn would like to move Olivia Moultrie out on the wings in place of Spaanstra and move Deyna Castellanos or Mimi Alidou to the ten.

On the wings, could Valerin Loboa make the start or even Maddie Padelski?

For the backline, with MM still working her way back to full fitness, it'll likely be M.A. Vignola at left back which shifts Reyna Reyes to right back.

Sam Hiatt will see her fair share of minutes, but Perry and Obaze offer the Portland Thorns the most upside in central defense.

Just to be clear, this is what I expect the club to roll out.

Who are your opening day starters? Let us know who you think should start below in the comments.

Robert Vilahamn's first media availability

Yesterday, the club confirmed that their new hire received visa clearance and would be available for Friday's opener.

Team Confirmation: NEW Portland Thorns Head Coach Robert Vilahamn's visa has been approved #BAONPDX He will be on the sidelines as HC for the team's 2026 NWSL Season Opener at Audi Field vs Washington Spirit. RV will speak with the media tomorrow & have introductory presser at a later date
— Phuoc Nguyen (Fook Win) ✍️ (@phuocerman.bsky.social) 2026-03-12T00:36:50.770Z

Head Coach Robert Vilahamn met with the media for the first time ahead of the 2026 NWSL season opener.

The club will also have an introductory presser next week before the home opener against Cascadia rivals, Seattle Reign.

Reyna Reyes also spoke to the media to preview the matchup against Washington Spirit.

Credit: Portland Thorns FC

Phuoc Nguyen x Expected Own Goals (xOG)

For folks wanting the highest level of tactical and analytical discussion, I was honored to appear on the Expected Own Goals podcast to preview the 2026 NWSL season for the Portland Thorns.

Although this was recorded in late February, it covered a wide range of topics.

Evan Davis and Eric Morgan would return the favor to discuss in more detail.

The xOG duo are brilliant and primarily focus on tactics and analytics in their coverage.

Episode Summary: Phuoc, Evan, and Eric discuss the Portland Thorns' 2026 season projection, the offseason, Soph Wilson's return, the timing of the Rob Vilahamn hire, question marks at CB and the six, metrics that should worry & provide hope, and preview the opener against Washington Spirit.