Olivia Moultrie becomes highest scoring teenager in NWSL history with 19 goals

As Olivia Moultrie approaches her 20th birthday on September 17, the Portland Thorns midfielder has already cemented her place in history by becoming the highest-scoring teenager in NWSL history. At just 19 years old, Moultrie reached this milestone after scoring her 14th career goal during a 1-1 draw with the Chicago Red Stars on Sunday.

The goal came in the 12th minute when Moultrie sent a stunning 20-yard free kick over the head of the Red Stars goalkeeper, giving her team an early lead. This goal not only helped secure a crucial point for Portland but also pushed Moultrie past Jaedyn Shaw, the former record-holder, who had previously scored the most goals by a teenager in the league. Shaw, now with Gotham FC, made her mark this weekend as well, scoring in her debut match with her new team.

Moultrie had tied Shaw’s record last month, but this goal was the one that put her ahead, showcasing her growth and consistency as one of the league’s brightest young talents. Shaw, now 20, has also enjoyed a promising career trajectory, which has included an impressive start with North Carolina Courage and a strong debut at Gotham FC.

The goal against Chicago was Moultrie’s fourth of the current season, bringing her closer to her career-best single-season tally of seven goals, achieved in 2024. Moultrie first made waves in the NWSL when she debuted at just 15 years old, becoming the league’s youngest player to make an appearance. A year later, at 16, she set another record, becoming the youngest-ever goal scorer in NWSL history.

On the international stage, Moultrie earned her first cap for the USWNT in 2023 and has since added two goals to her tally in nine appearances.

With Portland’s playoff hopes alive, the Thorns (8-6-6, 30 points) remain in the top four of the standings, but the San Diego Wave, with the same record, are nipping at their heels. Portland currently holds a slight advantage over San Diego, leading them by just two in goal differential.

Moultrie’s remarkable performance on the field continues to inspire, and the future of both her and Shaw looks incredibly bright as they both chase even bigger achievements in the years to come.