Portland Thorns and USWNT star Olivia Moultrie out for season with ACL injury

Portland Thorns midfielder Olivia Moultrie has been sidelined for the remainder of the 2024 season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury to her right knee during team training last week. The 20-year-old, who has established herself as a vital player for both the NWSL club and the United States women's national team, was placed on the season-ending injury list Tuesday. Moultrie had accumulated five goals and five assists through her appearances this season, contributing significantly to the Thorns' offensive output in the competitive National Women's Soccer League.

The midfielder's injury comes at a critical juncture in the international soccer calendar, with major tournaments approaching on the horizon. Moultrie has developed into a key midfielder for the USMNT under head coach Emma Hayes, bringing pace, technical ability, and versatility to the squad. Her absence will force tactical adjustments for the Thorns, who compete in a league where midfield depth is essential for maintaining competitive performance. ACL injuries typically require extensive rehabilitation spanning six to nine months, meaning Moultrie faces a lengthy recovery process that will extend well into 2025.

The injury threatens Moultrie's participation in the Concacaf W Championship, scheduled to take place in the coming months as a crucial qualifier for international competitions. The USMNT will need to assess replacement options in midfield, relying on alternative players to fill the creative and defensive responsibilities Moultrie provides. For the Thorns, this setback joins a challenging injury landscape that affects their playoff positioning and roster flexibility during the final stretches of the NWSL season. Medical staff will focus on Moultrie's comprehensive recovery plan to ensure her safe return to professional competition.