Sophia Wilson Anticipates Return to the Thorns and National Team

omidbasir- LOS ANGELES — Sophia Wilson plans to return for the Portland Thorns’ season opener in the National Women’s Soccer League after taking last season off for maternity leave.

Speaking at an NWSL event in Los Angeles on Thursday, Wilson expressed her hopes to participate in the upcoming SheBelieves Cup in early March with the United States national team. The Thorns will kick off their NWSL season on March 13, facing the Washington Spirit on the road.

“I will be ready for opening day. I hope to get some minutes in the SheBelieves Cup to ease back into competition. I miss the team and dislike being away from camp. I am eager to join the girls and contribute on the field, aiming to be fully prepared for opening day,” said Wilson.

Wilson welcomed her daughter, Gianna, in September. Previously known as Sophia Smith, she is married to Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson.

The 25-year-old forward was part of the national team that secured a gold medal at the Paris Olympics. The trio of Wilson, Trinity Rodman, and Mallory Swanson was affectionately referred to as “Triple Espresso” by fans.

Having also participated in the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Wilson boasts 58 appearances with the national team, netting 24 goals. She was honored as U.S. Soccer’s Women’s Player of the Year in 2022 and won the Young Player of the Year award in 2017.

“I took a year off, during which I learned a lot about myself and my identity outside of soccer. It was a valuable experience, but I am thrilled to return, as soccer is my passion. I approach this season with renewed energy,” Wilson remarked.

Recently, Wilson joined the Thorns for training camp in Santa Bárbara, California, bringing Gianna along to witness the U.S. team’s 5-0 victory over Chile at UC Santa Barbara on Tuesday.

Throughout her five seasons with the Thorns, Wilson has scored 44 goals across all competitions. In 2022, she earned the NWSL MVP title after helping Portland clinch the championship and led the league with 11 goals to win the Golden Boot in 2023.

A native of Colorado, Wilson was the first overall pick in the 2020 NWSL draft, following her pivotal role in Stanford’s 2019 College Cup championship.

In December, Wilson opted to extend her contract with the Thorns for another season.

The United States will host Canada, Argentina, and Colombia in the SheBelieves Cup, commencing on March 1. This round-robin tournament will feature doubleheader matches across three cities: Nashville, Tennessee; Columbus, Ohio; and Harrison, New Jersey.