Chloe Ricketts becomes youngest NWSL goal-scorer in Spirit win

Chloe Ricketts is the NWSL’s new youngest goalscorer.

The Washington Spirit midfielder, at 16 years, two months and six days old, had a goal in the Spirit’s 4-2 Challenge Cup win over NJ/NY Gotham FC. She’s the youngest player to ever score a goal in a competitive NWSL match.

.@ChloeRicketts89's first pro goal was PRETTY pic.twitter.com/KK4bjotgmX

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) July 29, 2023

“My little sister told me I had to score, so that’s what was going through my mind the whole time,” a grinning Ricketts told reporters at Audi Field. “[Ashley] Hatch played a beautiful ball straight to my feet, so I could finish it easily.”

Head coach Mark Parsons said after that he didn’t think Ricketts played well last week. But that this week has been “much better” and that her performance “was very good.”

“She can dribble and wriggle out of everything, and then, I mean she crushed some big players for Gotham tonight [in duels],” added Parsons. “Bravery in possession, she’s a menace out of possession. It was a good performance.”

Olivia Moultire remains the youngest player to score in regular season/NWSL league play.