PORTLAND, Ore. (Wednesday, April 29, 2026) – The Portland Thorns are now the NWSL’s league leaders after shutting out San Diego Wave FC 2-0 on Wednesday night at Providence Park as forward Sophia Wilson and defender Marie Müller netted goals to secure victory for the hosts.
In front of a crowd of 19,806 — the largest midweek crowd ever in the first half of a season — the Thorns got the action started early when midfielder Olivia Moultrie laid a ball off in the top right corner of San Diego’s box to connect with Müller, who shot the ball over the keeper into the far-left side of the goal to secure the lead in the first half.
The Wave offense pressed hard in its search for the equalizer after the break, but the Portland backline held its own and closed spaces to limit opportunities. One of San Diego’s clearest chances came in a 1v1 battle with Portland goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold in the 60th minute and the Australian international made the big save to ensure the Thorns remained on top.
In the 64th minute, Providence Park erupted in cheers when forward Mimi Alidou set up Wilson to double the lead and bag her first goal at Providence Park since November 2024, also marking the second consecutive match that the forward pair linked up for a goal to secure the win.
UP NEXT: The Portland Thorns travel to face Chicago Stars FC on Sunday, May 3. Kickoff on ESPN 2 and KNKR-2 is scheduled for 10 am PT.
TEAM NOTES
GOAL BREAKDOWN
First Half
POR – Marie Müller (Olivia Moultrie) 10'
Second Half
POR – Sophia Wilson (Mimi Alidou) 64’
LINEUPS
Portland Thorns (4-2-3-1): Mackenzie Arnold (GK), Marie Müller, Jayden Perry, Isabella Obaze, Reyna Reyes (M.A. Vignola 85’), Cassandra Bogere, Jessie Fleming - C, Pietra Tordin (Renee Lyles 76’), Olivia Moultrie, Reilyn Turner (Mimi Alidou 59’), Sophia Wilson
Subs not used: Morgan Messner (GK), Carolyn Calzada, Deyna Castellanos, Maddie Padelski, Sam Hiatt, Mallie McKenzie
San Diego Wave (4-3-3): Leah Freeman (GK), Perle Morroni, Kristen McNabb, Kennedy Wesley, Amelia Donna Van Zanten (Jordan Fusco 88’), Laurina Fazer (Tatum Wynalda 88’), Kenza Dali - C, Lia Godfrey (Gabi Portilho 46’), Dudinha, Ludmila (Melanie Barcenas 59’), Kimmi Ascanio (Trinity Byars 68’)
Subs not used: Luisa Agudelo (GK), Nya Harrison, Daniela Arias, Kiki Pickett
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
POR: Wilson (Yellow) 32’, Perry (Yellow) 85’
SD: Byars (Yellow) 72’
MATCH STATS
POR | SD
Goals: 2|0
Assists: 2|0
Possession: 42|58
Shots: 5|11
Shots on Target: 3|3
Saves: 3|1
Tackles: 22|19
Tackles Won: 14|13
Interceptions: 12|6
Fouls: 11|14
Offsides: 0|0
Corner Kicks: 4|5
ATTENDANCE: 19,806
Referee: Elton Garcia
Assistant Referee 1: Peter Hanson
Assistant Referee 2: Bruno Rizo
4th Official: Jamie Padilla
VAR: Anya Voigt
Assistant VAR: Kaili Terry
PORTLAND, Ore. (Wednesday, April 29, 2026) – The Portland Thorns are now the NWSL’s league leaders after shutting out San Diego Wave FC 2-0 on Wednesday night at Providence Park as forward Sophia Wilson and defender Marie Müller netted goals to secure victory for the hosts.
In front of a crowd of 19,806 — the largest midweek crowd ever in the first half of a season — the Thorns got the action started early when midfielder Olivia Moultrie laid a ball off in the top right corner of San Diego’s box to connect with Müller, who shot the ball over the keeper into the far-left side of the goal to secure the lead in the first half.
The Wave offense pressed hard in its search for the equalizer after the break, but the Portland backline held its own and closed spaces to limit opportunities. One of San Diego’s clearest chances came in a 1v1 battle with Portland goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold in the 60th minute and the Australian international made the big save to ensure the Thorns remained on top.
In the 64th minute, Providence Park erupted in cheers when forward Mimi Alidou set up Wilson to double the lead and bag her first goal at Providence Park since November 2024, also marking the second consecutive match that the forward pair linked up for a goal to secure the win.
UP NEXT: The Portland Thorns travel to face Chicago Stars FC on Sunday, May 3. Kickoff on ESPN 2 and KNKR-2 is scheduled for 10 am PT.
TEAM NOTES
GOAL BREAKDOWN
First Half
POR – Marie Müller (Olivia Moultrie) 10'
Second Half
POR – Sophia Wilson (Mimi Alidou) 64’
LINEUPS
Portland Thorns (4-2-3-1): Mackenzie Arnold (GK), Marie Müller, Jayden Perry, Isabella Obaze, Reyna Reyes (M.A. Vignola 85’), Cassandra Bogere, Jessie Fleming - C, Pietra Tordin (Renee Lyles 76’), Olivia Moultrie, Reilyn Turner (Mimi Alidou 59’), Sophia Wilson
Subs not used: Morgan Messner (GK), Carolyn Calzada, Deyna Castellanos, Maddie Padelski, Sam Hiatt, Mallie McKenzie
San Diego Wave (4-3-3): Leah Freeman (GK), Perle Morroni, Kristen McNabb, Kennedy Wesley, Amelia Donna Van Zanten (Jordan Fusco 88’), Laurina Fazer (Tatum Wynalda 88’), Kenza Dali - C, Lia Godfrey (Gabi Portilho 46’), Dudinha, Ludmila (Melanie Barcenas 59’), Kimmi Ascanio (Trinity Byars 68’)
Subs not used: Luisa Agudelo (GK), Nya Harrison, Daniela Arias, Kiki Pickett
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
POR: Wilson (Yellow) 32’, Perry (Yellow) 85’
SD: Byars (Yellow) 72’
MATCH STATS
POR | SD
Goals: 2|0
Assists: 2|0
Possession: 42|58
Shots: 5|11
Shots on Target: 3|3
Saves: 3|1
Tackles: 22|19
Tackles Won: 14|13
Interceptions: 12|6
Fouls: 11|14
Offsides: 0|0
Corner Kicks: 4|5
ATTENDANCE: 19,806
Referee: Elton Garcia
Assistant Referee 1: Peter Hanson
Assistant Referee 2: Bruno Rizo
4th Official: Jamie Padilla
VAR: Anya Voigt
Assistant VAR: Kaili Terry
.avif)
