Portland Thorns midfielder Olivia Moultrie sidelined for rest of season after ACL tear
Portland Thorns have announced that midfielder Olivia Moultrie will miss the remainder of the season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury. The National Women’s Socc…
Portland Thorns have announced that midfielder Olivia Mo…
Portland Thorns have announced that midfielder Olivia Moultrie will miss the remainder of the season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury. The National Women’s Soccer League club confirmed the news on Tuesday, adding that the 20-year-old sustained the damage to her right knee during a training session last week.
Moultrie, a regular fixture in the United States women’s national team setup, had been enjoying a standout campaign for the Thorns. Her contributions this season included five goals and five assists, making her one of the team’s most productive attacking threats before the setback.
The injury also casts doubt on her availability for the upcoming Concacaf W Championship, a key qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. With the U.S. squad expected to rely on her creativity in midfield, her absence would be a significant blow for head coach Emma Hayes.
Thorns head coach Rob Gale expressed sympathy for
Thorns head coach Rob Gale expressed sympathy for Moultrie, praising her resilience and work ethic. He noted that the team will rally around her during recovery, while also looking to fill the void left in the lineup. Portland currently sits in the upper half of the league table and will need to adjust their tactical approach without one of their most dynamic players.
Moultrie’s injury adds to a growing list of ACL concerns across women’s soccer, reigniting conversations about fixture congestion and player welfare. The midfielder is expected to undergo surgery in the coming weeks, with a rehabilitation timeline that could keep her off the pitch for up to a year.
The club has not provided a specific recovery window, but standard timelines for such injuries suggest Moultrie may not return to competitive action until late 2025 or early 2026. For now, the focus remains on her long-term health and a full return to the sport she has excelled in since her teenage years.