Photo by Luiza Moraes/NWSL via Getty Images

Is Trinity Rodman Playing Tonight for Washington Spirit vs Portland Thorns In NWSL Opener?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Mar 13, 2026 4:08 PM ET

The Washington Spirit will play their first match of the 2026 NWSL Season against the Portland Thorns tonight. The team will look to reach another NWSL Final at the end of this new season.

The club has high expectations to reach the final after managing to renew the contract of Washington Spirit star Trinity Rodman.

The USWNT star signed her new contract with the Washington Spirit in January and has become the highest-paid women's soccer player in the world. Since then, she has captained and played for the USWNT in friendly matches and the SheBelieves Cup.

The Washington Spirit played against the Portland Thorns in the NWSL semifinals last year, where she came off the bench after the 89th minute following her injury she suffered in a CONCACAF W Champions Cup match against Rayadas in October.

Trinity Rodman #2 of Washington Spirit celebrates after winning and advancing to the final following the NWSL semifinal match between Washington Spirit and Portland Thorns as part of the 2025 NWSL Playoffs at Audi Field on November 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/NWSL via Getty Images)Photo by Hannah Foslien/NWSL via Getty Images

Rodman had an injury scare recently, during the match between the USWNT and Argentina in the SheBelieves Cup two weeks ago.

Rodman was able to play the next two games in the tournament against Canada and Colombia.

Trinity Rodman set to play against Portland Thorns

After two starts with the USWNT in the SheBelieves Cup last week, Trinity Rodman is expected to start the match for the Washington Spirit against the Portland Thorns tonight.

Rodman played 17 matches for the Washington Spirit last season, where she scored five goals and provided two assists. She started nine of the 17 matches she played in the NWSL last year.

The USWNT star will look to push those numbers higher as Rodman and the Washington Spirit aim towards the NWSL final for a third year in a row, but this time, to win the championship.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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