Link: https://www.theixsports.com/the-ix-soccer/nwsl/five-takeaways-from-the-nwsls-opening-weekend/

The 2026 NWSL season kicked off this weekend and saw the return of stars Trinitiy Rodmand and Sophia Wilson as well as some rookie debuts.

Third match in a row:

Seattle got their payback

The Reign opened up their season by playing the Orlando Pride — the very team that knocked them out of the playoffs last season. Though both squads were forced to contend with a significant weather delay, the Reign managed to take home the 2-1 win.

“Total credit to the whole group,” Seattle’s coach Laura Harvey said after the game. “The girls started warming up and then thunder and lightning happened again. We all had to come in and we were drenched and cold and wet … credit to the players, they’ve shown some grit and some personality.”