NC State captures needed series win over Miami
NC State secures vital series win over Miami, boosting NCAA hopes
Olivia Moultrie, at 20 years old, becomes the youngest player to reach 100 regular-season NWSL appearances. She marked the milestone with a goal and an assist in the Portland Thorns' 2-0 victory over the Chicago Stars.
Olivia Moultrie becomes youngest to reach 100 regular-season NWSL appearances
Olivia Moultrie on Sunday became the youngest player in National Womenās Soccer League history to reach 100 regular-season games played.
The 20-year-old Portland Thorns midfielder marked the milestone by recording a goal and an assist in her teamās victory at the Chicago Stars. The 2-0 win maintained the Thornsā top spot in the league table, 4 points above the second-place Washington Spirit.
Moultrie opened scoring with a one-touch goal in the box, capitalizing on a clean assist from forward Pietra Jordin, who opened space by passing to Moultrie as defenders swarmed Jordin. Despite Chicagoās last-place ranking, the team maintained a balanced duel with the Thorns for nearly the entire match at Martin Field.
It wasnāt until the 89th minute that Moultrie reminded fans why she is one of the best playmakers in the league and a Portland favorite. With a swift motion, Moultrie crossed a long ball to teammate Reilyn Turner as she ran toward the goal on the other side of the pitch. Turner found herself in a one-on-one with Chicago goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, beating her and then striking the ball into an empty net.
Turner ran to Moultrie as the two embraced, and the goal secured Portlandās lead until full time.
Itās no surprise Moultrie is the youngest player to reach 100 regular-season games.
She changed the trajectory of the NWSL when, at 15, she sued the league in 2021 for her right to play in it. Two years earlier, she became a household name in American soccer when she announced, at 13, that she would forgo her college eligibility to go pro. She had already committed to UNC two years prior.
Moultrieās fight to play in the NWSL led to the leagueās establishing guidelines for U-18 players to play in it. It opened the floodgates, with a steady stream of younger players following in Moultrieās footsteps to play in the NWSL. This meant records set by Moultrie would be broken many times over as she developed into one of the best midfielders, both in the NWSL and for the U.S. womenās national team. She debuted for the in 2023 at 18.
Olivia Moultrie was 20 years old when she reached 100 regular-season NWSL appearances.
Olivia Moultrie became the youngest player in NWSL history to reach 100 regular-season games played.
The Portland Thorns won the match against the Chicago Stars 2-0, with Moultrie scoring a goal and providing an assist.
NC State secures vital series win over Miami, boosting NCAA hopes
Could PSG sign Harry Kane from Bayern Munich this summer?
Liverpool FC Women fall 1-0 to Manchester City after late goal.
Athletics defeat Guardians 7-1, avoiding a sweep in series finale.
Duece Jones-Drew continues family legacy with UCLA commitment
Pistons crush Magic 116-94 in Game 7, J.B. Bickerstaff praises team effort.
See every story in Sports ā including breaking news and analysis.
The creative midfielder has played only for the Thorns since debuting in a regular-season NWSL match in 2021. Last year, she extended her contract with Portland through 2029.
āThe biggest thing for me is being in an environment where I can keep improving, because Iām nowhere near a finished product,ā Moultrie told The Athletic. āFeeling that support from everyone here was huge in determining where I wanted to be. I feel supported in every way. Iām grateful for the opportunity, proud to wear this jersey and ready to keep chasing titles with this team.ā
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
Portland Thorns, NWSL, women's sports
2026 The Athletic Media Company