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Portland Thorns FC

Portland Thorns FC Extend U.S. Young Player of the Year Olivia Moultrie

February 13, 2024 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Portland Thorns FC News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland Thorns FC have extended the reigning U.S. Young Female Player of the Year, Olivia Moultrie, keeping the 18-year-old midfielder in the Rose City through the 2026 season.

"I chose to stay and play in Portland because I feel like this club has every piece needed to achieve excellence -- the roster, the staff, the ownership and of course the incredible supporters that create an unrivaled environment for every game," Moultrie said. "I absolutely cannot wait to continue to build towards achieving greatness with this club, and of course winning championships!"

Moultrie, 18, first joined the club during the 2021 season, making her Thorns FC and NWSL debut on July 3 against Louisville, at the time becoming the youngest player to appear in a league match at just 15 years old. Since then, she has gone on to appear in 46 regular season matches, during which she has recorded five goals and eight assists. Moultrie helped contribute to the 2022 NWSL Championship, as well as the 2021 NWSL Shield and 2021 Women's International Champions Cup.

"From the beginning of her journey Olivia's drive and determination to achieve at the highest levels has been apparent, she is one who has always sought to be the best, no matter the obstacles that she may face, and she has always desired to do so as a member of the Portland Thorns," General Manager and President of Soccer Operations Karina LeBlanc said. "We are excited to have her with us for this next stage of her career and cannot wait to watch her reach new heights as a member of the Thorns."

This past year with Thorns FC, Moultrie recorded a career-high 1,205 minutes across 22 matches, 12 of which were starts. Offensively, Moultrie contributed two goals and three assists for the Thorns, helping the team secure a second-place finish in the NWSL regular season and a semifinal berth in the postseason. The third-year midfielder also appeared in six NWSL Challenge Cup matches, scoring one goal.

"We are really happy and proud to have Olivia commit her future with us at the Thorns. She is a pioneer for what we have seen in recent years, and we are excited to see her commitment to her continued development," Head Coach Mike Norris said. "She has a tremendous attitude for growth and winning, and we look forward to seeing her grow into the world class player we all believe she can be."

In 2023, Moultrie helped lead the United States at the U-20 FIFA Women's World Cup, which saw her earn a call-up to the Senior National Team in October. Moultrie made her debut against China PR on December 2 in the team's 3-0 victory. Three days later, in Frisco, Texas, Moultrie earned her second cap, a 2-1 win over China PR. This month, Moultrie will compete with the United States Women's National Team at the first-ever Concacaf Women's Gold Cup, she will be joined by fellow Portland Thorns FC teammates Sam Coffey and Sophia Smith.

The Thorns are slated to begin the season on March 16 against Kansas City Current at CPKC Stadium before returning to Providence Park on March 24 for the home opener, tickets for which are on sale now. For more information on the Thorns, please visit www.thornsfc.com.

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