The NWSL regular season is finally returning this weekend.
The Portland Thorns completed their preseason matches at the Coachella Valley Invitational versus Angel City FC and Houston Dash, and a final preseason tune-up against C.F. Monterrey
Here are seven questions after preseason:
Opening day captain decided?
Jessie Fleming wore the captain's armband in the second CVI match against Houston Dash, after Mackenzie "Macca" Arnold had the honor in the opener against Angel City FC.
With the goalkeeper going through injury and at the AFC Asian Women's Cup, all signs point to CANWNT captain being the leader heading into opening day.
It's the right choice.
Phuoc Nguyen (Fook Win)
In the Providence Park preseason finale versus Rayadas, Sam Hiatt would wear the armband.
Who will be the opening day starter at the six?
In the two matches, whether it was Jessie Fleming, Shae Harvey, Cassandra Bogere, or other options, there was no clear-cut answer to this puzzle.
Since the departure of Sam Coffey to Manchester City, this has been arguably the biggest void faced by the front office. Obviously the leadership will be dearly missed, but the organization and playmaking was already felt in her absence.
Not having a direct replacement is one that will hurt the team throughout 2026.
However, Harvey was one of the players that stood out even in limited minutes. She had natural chemistry with in the Houston Dash match with both Jessie Fleming and Olivia Moultrie in midfield. A lot will be riding on Shae Harvey's shoulders this season as it's likely her starting spot unless another addition is eventually made.
Although Bogere reported during the CVI, she made her debut for the club against Houston and played there as well. Could the center back turned six, Jennie Immethun make the roster as well after steady and improving performances in the preseason?
As of now, the options at defensive midfielder are very unproven.
This role will likely be a key reason why the midfield was a success or letdown. Now it's time to find out which one it'll be.
Another possibility as the season progresses, could the front office eventually fill this need with a signing?
Rookies & sophomores already well-regarded?
It's important to give credit where it's due: the front office have found more gems this offseason.
In the last USWNT U-23 roster announcement, the Portland Thorns led the NWSL with four players selected: Jayden "JP" Perry, Pietra Tordin, Shae Harvey, and Carolyn Calzada.
If you include NRI defender Sydney Cheesman, that's five selections.
One name not mentioned who has flashed immense potential at the CVI? Rookie forward Maddie Padelski. She is the prototypical winger that flourishes not just in the Portland Thorns system, but also in NWSL. Her speed and power combination is downright scary, and she's only 18-years old...
Did Portland Thorns already find their next Morgan Weaver?
This list doesn't even include...
The Renee Lyles Show
"With challenge comes an opportunity. I think you see players like Renee have such a great opportunity. She's taken that opportunity and become our top goalscorer in preseason (four goals)." - Sarah Lowdon
Renee Lyles led the team with four goals in preseason. Did I forget to mention she had a hat trick against Rayadas?
banger after banger 🔁 pic.twitter.com/kf32lU3out
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) March 8, 2026
The non-rostered invite has been the biggest bright spot for the Portland Thorns all preseason.
Surely, Renee Lyles will be on the final roster, right?
How about that defense?
With Arnold out for likely the first 2-3 matches to start the season, it'll likely be Morgan Messner earning the starts in her absence.
Messner started the match against Houston Dash and had shaky moments early on with positioning and distribution. Although she settled into the game, there were still nervy moments.
Unfortunately, in front of Messner is a shaky backline. There were struggles in box, transition, and even 1v1 defending. An elite team, like the Washington Spirit the Thorns are facing this week, would pounce on those mistakes.
The defense also gave up three goals at the CVI with most being lingering issues from 2025. They also gave up another goal against Rayadas. Center back remains a huge need and should continue be a priority whether that is now or in the summer window.
Portland struggled to keep clean sheets down in the second half of the 2025 season and that is continuing with 0/3 clean sheets in 2026 preseason.
Can the defense fix those lapses in defense or will the attack have to carry the load?
STF's Melina Gaspar breaks it down in further detail.
Melina Gaspar
Where will the goals come from?
Yes, it's preseason, but something to look out for is the final product - especially from the attackers. The product in the final third was inconsistent in 2025 and continued so far in the 2026 preseason.
Throughout the first two CVI matches, the needed and correct decision making just wasn't quite there. Often in the final third there was too much indecision or an extra touch that the team suffered from. Although it's preseason, there are still worrying signs.
Although the Portland Thorns scored in both matches, it should still be worrisome. NRI Renee Lyles scored against Angel City FC and Deyna Castellanos' wonder strike equalized against Houston Dash.
Yes, the Portland Thorns had a much-needed five goal outburst in the final tune-up. However, four of the seven goals scored in preseason came from Renee Lyles. Only one of those goals came from a forward (Alexa Spaanstra on a penalty kick).
If the team is thinking it'll need to be Soph Wilson, Caiya Hanks, or Morgan Weaver leading the way, that should be a concern as each of them will take time to find their form again.
It'll be up to young stars of Reilyn Turner, Pietra Tordin, and more to step up. If not, it's going to be a tough start to 2026.
When does Robert Vilahamn arrive?
The Portland Thorns officially announced the hire of new head coach Robert Vilahamn a week ago and his arrival is pending his P-1 visa. Lowdon mentioned in the press conference, that they have already started implementing some of the system and tactics.
How long the system will take to implement? These things take time, but Vilahamn will be starting the season without a preseason and can only implement so much at a time.
Time will tell, but it'll be a long while before the Rose City sees full Robert Vilahamn's football vision on the pitch.
So final question, how much will the timing of the hire effect the head coach and the players, especially early on in the season?
