Olivia Moultrie made history in 2021 when she filed an antitrust lawsuit against the NWSL and paved the way for players under 18 to play in the league. She made her debut with the Portland Thorns at just 15 years old and now she’s received her first United States women’s national team call-up.
Olivia Moultrie USWNT call-up
On Wednesday interim USWNT head coach Twila Kilgore announced the 27-player roster for two friendlies vs. Colombia. The roster included several newer names like Moultrie, Jaedyn Shaw, Mia Fishel and M.A. Vignola.
27 strong.
Fall footy awaits. ⚽️— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) October 18, 2023
For Moultrie this is her first call-up to play with the senior national team. She’s previously played with the U-20 team and competed in the 2022 U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Her name might ring several bells for U.S. Soccer fans.
At just 13 years old Moultrie announced she was turning pro and would later sign with Nike and the Portland Thorns. Her antitrust lawsuit against the NWSL in 2021 allowed her to compete in competitive games for the Thorns.
The young midfielder even had a brief cameo in the 2022 NWSL Championship game when she was brought on as a late substitution.
This season Moultrie has been receiving more consistent appearances. In the 2023 regular season she made 21 appearances, had 11 starts, scored two goals and tallied three assists in the Thorns’ midfield.
OLIVIA MOULTRIE, WHAT A GOAL
The 17 year old gets Portland's THIRD equalizer of the night pic.twitter.com/Famf4KAplp— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) May 7, 2023
It’s highly unlikely she’ll start in either of the two games vs. Colombia, but she could have the chance to make her international debut.
The first game is on Thursday, Oct. 26 in Sandy, Utah, at American First Field. Following that game the USWNT will travel to San Diego for the second match on Sunday, Oct. 29 at Snapdragon Stadium.
