WASHINGTON (Interstat) — The Washington Spirit opened its NWSL season with a 2-0 victory over the Portland Thorns on Saturday at Audi Field. Gift Monday opened the scoring in the 27th minute before Croix Bethune sealed the win with an 83rd-minute goal. Jessie Fleming and Rosemonde Kouassi were credited with assists. The result defied a pregame projection from Interstat that favored the Spirit but forecast a 1-1 draw. The win gives Washington a winning start to the campaign, while Portland begins its season with a loss.