Olivia Moultrie Out for Season with ACL Injury

Portland Thorns midfielder Olivia Moultrie has been ruled out for the rest of the season after sustaining an ACL injury during training last week, the National Women’s Soccer League club confirmed on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old, who is also a key player for the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT), had been an influential figure for Portland this season, contributing five goals and five assists before the injury.

Moultrie’s injury came as a significant blow to both her club and country. With the Thorns currently competing in the NWSL, losing one of their leading midfielders will impact their squad depth and attacking options. Additionally, Moultrie is expected to miss the upcoming Concacaf W Championship, a crucial tournament for the USWNT as they prepare for future international competitions.

The Portland Thorns placed Moultrie on the season-ending injury list following a thorough medical assessment. The severity of the anterior cruciate ligament damage to her right knee means she will require extensive rehabilitation, ruling her out for the remainder of the 2026 season.

This setback comes at a pivotal time in Moultrie’s career, as she had been emerging as one of the standout young talents in the league and on the international stage. Her performances this season had demonstrated her growing influence on the pitch, showcasing her ability to both score and create goals for her team.

Looking ahead, the Portland Thorns will need to adjust their squad and tactics to compensate for the loss of Moultrie as they push for success in the NWSL playoffs. On the international front, the USWNT coaching staff will have to reconsider their options for the Concacaf W Championship without one of their promising midfielders.

Portland’s next fixture will test their resilience as they aim to maintain momentum despite this significant absence. Meanwhile, Moultrie’s rehabilitation and recovery process will be closely monitored, with hopes of a return to full fitness for the 2027 season.

For more details on Olivia Moultrie’s injury and its impact, visit the original report on The Guardian.