History was made during Portland’s 2-0 victory over Racing Louisville Saturday night.
Coming off the bench in the 83rd minute, Olivia Moultrie became the youngest player to make a professional debut in the NWSL at 15 years old. The move comes only days after the teen signed a three-year contract with the Thorns following a tense legal battle with the league over the NWSL’s age requirement.
At 15, Olivia Moultrie becomes the youngest player in @NWSL history.Go get 'em, @olivia_moultrie! #BAONDPDX pic.twitter.com/shRuy7zOFn— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) July 4, 2021
At 15, Olivia Moultrie becomes the youngest player in @NWSL history.Go get 'em, @olivia_moultrie! #BAONDPDX pic.twitter.com/shRuy7zOFn
After the game, Moultrie spoke about the support she has gotten from her Portland teammates ahead of her inaugural game.
“I didn’t know it was going to happen tonight, I found out about 30 seconds before I went in the game,” said Moultrie. “One of the biggest things they have told me is just go have fun, you’re ready for it and you have worked for this.”