The teens are taking over.
Both Jaedyn Shaw and Alyssa Thompson scored in their respective matches on Saturday, the second time they have scored on the same day this season. According to OptaJack, the 18-year-olds are the only teenagers to score on the same day in league history.
Shaw’s goal marked her fourth in four home starts for San Diego. That mark ties Abby Wambach for the longest such streak to begin a career in NWSL history, per OptaJack.
Another day, another goal, another celly for Jaedyn Shaw 🌊 pic.twitter.com/7EsgxNaQdK
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 30, 2023
With her goal, Shaw ties Alex Morgan with three goals for San Diego on the season. They each sit one back of the trio of league leaders – Ashley Hatch, Debinha and Sophia Smith – who have all notched four apiece.
Thompson, meanwhile, ties Katie Johnson for the most goals scored for Angel City with two goals on the season.
Speed. Alyssa Thompson IS speed 💨 pic.twitter.com/bTdUr3HoUr
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 30, 2023
Meanwhile in Portland, 17-year-old Olivia Moultrie notched an assist.
And in addition to those three, 15-year-old players Chloe Ricketts (Washington) and Melanie Barcenas (San Diego), made their debuts over the weekend. Making her debut at 15 years and 177 days old, Barcenas is the youngest active NWSL player in league history.
It marks a shift in the league as the youth movement grows, with many of the league’s youngest players keeping pace with the veterans.