NWSL Power Rankings: Portland goes No. 1 in 2026's first week

"Portland went to Washington, D.C., and came away with multiple wins to start the season. For one, Sophia Wilson is officially back from maternity leave. The former league MVP subbed into a 1-0 win in the 77th minute, marking her first appearance since November 2024. In the 52nd minute, 20-year-old Olivia Moultrie scored the deciding goal with a confident first touch and left-footed finish."

"Not to be outdone by any of NWSL's teenage goal scorers, 39-year-old Wales veteran Jess Fishlock scored the first goal for Seattle in a 2-1 victory in Orlando. After a lengthy weather delay, the Reign conceded a goal from former league MVP Barbra Banda, but Brittany Ratcliffe collected a debut marker off the bench to secure the win."

"The reigning champions have the tools to dominate again this season. Sure, they needed a 55th-minute goal from Spain striker Esther González (who came off the bench in the second half) to secure a 1-0 win against expansion side Boston Legacy. But with Tierna Davidson back on the game-day roster and Norway's six-time Women's Super League winner, Guro Reiten, on her way from Chelsea, it looks like the two-time champs will continue their success."

The 2026 NWSL regular season has commenced with notable performances across Matchday 1. Portland defeated Washington 1-0 with Olivia Moultrie scoring the decisive goal, while former MVP Sophia Wilson returned from maternity leave as a substitute. Seattle won 2-1 against Orlando, with veteran Jess Fishlock and Brittany Ratcliffe scoring, supported by goalkeeper Claudia Dickey's seven saves. Washington, the reigning champions, secured a 1-0 victory over expansion side Boston Legacy with Esther González's goal. The defending champions are strengthening their roster with returning players like Tierna Davidson and incoming talent Guro Reiten from Chelsea, positioning themselves for another dominant season.

Read at ESPN.com