Matchday 2 of the National Women’s Soccer League is back with a bang! After an emphatic start to the 2025 season, all 14 teams are gearing up for another round of exciting games. But believe it or not, the spotlight is firmly on the first matchup of the week between Portland Thorns and Angel City. Beyond the promise of a thrilling contest, ardent fans will finally get to witness a player rarer than a blue moon—none other than Sophia Wilson!

Wait, before you think what it is, this doesn’t primarily mean that the USWNT star will be playing tonight. We all know that she can’t get action on the pitch, considering it was just weeks ago the 2024 Paris Olympic gold winner announced her pregnancy with her husband Michael Wilson. However, that doesn’t mean she can’t make it to the stadium and at least watch and rally for her side.

So expect the former Smith to mark her attendance at Providence Park, Portland, Oregon. In fact, to further glorify the occasion, Wilson took to Instagram stories to share a small message for her supporters. Putting up a post that had some details about today’s game, the 24-year-old wrote, “The best atmosphere. See you tonight Portland!”

Already, we were expecting a buzzing environment in the 25,218-seater stadium. And now, we would be seeing Sophia in the stands and cheering for her teammates. Certainly, fans would be thrilled to see their star player grace the venue by marking her presence. Hopefully, after full-time, she will take time to interact with her ardent fans, just like she was doing with her teammates. During warm-up, Soph was seen giving claps to her fellow locker room mates.

Then again, one also hopes that her presence boosts her fellow teammates’ confidence to secure a win over Angel City. To recall, the Thorns endured a poor 3-1 defeat at the hands of Kansas City Current in their season opener. The Current’s Temwa Chawinga set the tone for a goal-filled match just two minutes after kickoff, with Michelle Cooper extending the lead in the 23rd minute.

The Thorns seemed to forget their defensive duties as the home side struck again at the half-hour mark, thanks to Debinha, making it 3-0. While a consolation goal wouldn’t change the outcome, Olivia Moultrie managed to pull one back for the Thorns in the 49th minute. The unfortunate loss saw them take the 13th place with a goal difference of -2.

Hence, the biggest agenda of all for Rob Gale’s side would be to secure a win at their home ground. But that surely won’t be an easy feat, considering one of their star players won’t be on the pitch today!

Sophia Wilson’s Portland Thorns teammate misses home opener

Jessie Fleming remains a major absentee in today’s match. Sadly, in the previous NWSL opener against KC Current, the CanWNT skipper was forced off in the 60th minute after taking a hit to the head. Moments later, she was substituted due to a deep cut from the collision. Hence, with a concern stemming from a concussion, Rob Gale and his coaching staff were advised to keep her out of today’s action.

To compensate for her absence, the Portland Thorns may need to adjust by deploying Deyna Castellanos. Even before losing Jessie Fleming to a concussion, the Thorns had been dealing with a number of significant absentees. Defender Nicole Payne, forward Morgan Weaver, as well as midfielders Marie Müller and Olivia Wade-Katoa are all sidelined due to a season-long injury. Additionally, goalie Bella Bixby also remains out of the Thorns’ disposal due to an apparent hip injury.

Then again, misery also remains on Angel City’s plate. While midfielder Elizabeth Eddy is out nursing a knock in her lower leg, Sydney Leroux has taken an excuse for unspecified reasons. Meanwhile, Jun Endo and Ali Riley are both placed on the season-ending injury list.

Clearly, either side is coming with significant absentees. Let’s see which one of them takes the three points. For Portland Thorns, we reckon if they do win, they’ll surely dedicate it to Sophia Wilson!