Portland Thorns’ Olivia Moultrie becomes NWSL’s youngest goal scorer

Olivia Moultrie became the youngest player to score a goal in National Women’s Soccer League history as the Portland Thorns routed the Houston Dash 4-0 on the road Sunday.

The 16-year-old midfielder joined the starting lineup when Christine Sinclair was scratched shortly before kickoff. Moultrie made history when she scored in the 74th minute to put Portland ahead 3-0.

“I think every player thinks about what their first goal or 90 minutes or whatever that looks like,” Moultrie said. “I’ve thought about it before in the past, but it coming into reality is a very exciting moment for me.”

Moultrie made nine appearances for Portland last season. That came after the club reached a settlement with the NWSL that allowed Moultrie to bypass the league’s minimum age of 18.

She scored her first professional goal at 15 last August when the Thorns beat Houston in the Women’s International Challenge Cup title match.

The previous record holder was Trinity Rodman of the Washington Spirit, who was 18 when she scored on April 10, 2021.

Sophia Smith scored twice for Portland (3-1-4). The Thorns were on the front-foot from kickoff, taking a 1-0 lead when Houston allowed an own goal in the first minute.