Olivia Moultrie, the dynamic midfielder for both the Portland Thorns and the US Women’s National Team (USWNT), has suffered a significant setback after tearing her right ACL during training. This injury will force the 20-year-old to miss the remainder of the season, halting a standout campaign.
Moultrie had been enjoying the best form of her professional career, contributing an impressive five goals and five assists. Her performances helped lift Portland to fifth place in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) standings, marking her as one of the league’s most influential players.
Season-ending Injury Impacts Both Club and Country
The timing of this injury is particularly unfortunate as it not only affects Portland’s push in the league but also jeopardizes Moultrie’s participation in the upcoming Concacaf W Championship this November. The tournament is crucial as it serves as the qualifying stage for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Olympic Games, making her absence a significant loss for the USWNT.
Jeff Agoos, President and General Manager of Soccer Operations for the Thorns, expressed confidence in Moultrie’s resilience. “Olivia is one of the most driven players I have been around, and she will use that drive during her recovery and rehabilitation,” Agoos said in an official statement, highlighting the midfielder’s determination to overcome this challenge.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Moultrie conveyed the emotional toll of the injury. “Heartbroken doesn’t even begin to sum up all of the feelings right now,” she wrote. Despite the disappointment, she remained optimistic about her future, promising her supporters, “I know there is a reason this path has been chosen for me and I can’t promise everything but I can promise I’ll be back and I’ll be better.”