Olivia Moultrie just made history—again. At just 20 years old, the Portland Thorns midfielder has become the youngest player ever to reach 100 regular-season appearances in the National Women’s Soccer League. And she didn’t just show up for the milestone; she owned it.
On Sunday, Moultrie delivered a goal and an assist in the Thorns’ commanding 2-0 win over the Chicago Stars, keeping Portland firmly atop the league table—four points clear of the second-place Washington Spirit. The performance was a masterclass in composure and creativity, two traits that have defined her rise since she first stepped onto the pitch as a teenager.
Moultrie opened the scoring with a clinical one-touch finish inside the box, thanks to a perfectly weighted assist from forward Pietra Jordin. Jordin drew in defenders before slipping the ball to Moultrie, who made no mistake. But it was in the 89th minute that Moultrie truly reminded fans why she’s one of the league’s most electrifying playmakers. With a swift, long-range cross, she found teammate Reilyn Turner sprinting toward goal. Turner beat Chicago goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher in a one-on-one and slotted the ball into an empty net, sealing the win and sparking an emotional embrace between the two teammates.
This moment was years in the making. Moultrie’s path to 100 games is unlike any other. At 15, she sued the NWSL for the right to play—a bold move that changed the league forever. Her fight led to new guidelines allowing U-18 players to compete in the NWSL, opening the door for a wave of young talent. Two years earlier, at just 13, she had already become a household name in American soccer when she announced she would forgo college eligibility to turn pro, despite having committed to UNC at age 11.
Since then, Moultrie has only continued to rise. She debuted for the U.S. Women’s National Team in 2023 at 18 and has since become one of the most creative midfielders in the game—both for club and country. Now, with 100 regular-season games under her belt and a historic win to match, the future looks even brighter for this Portland favorite.