Olivia Moultrie's Potential USWNT Debut in Utah
Olivia Moultrie's Potential USWNT Debut in Utah
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| Olivia Moultrie of the United States looks to the ball during USWNT Training at America First Field on October 24, 2023 in Sandy, Utah.(Image-Getty) |
"Olivia Moultrie's Potential Debut for U.S. Women’s National Team in Utah"
Latter-day Saint teenager Olivia Moultrie, a professional soccer player, is poised to potentially make her debut for the U.S. Women’s National Team in Utah this Thursday. With 27 players on the roster for the team’s October friendlies against Colombia, interim head coach Twila Kilgore emphasized the unpredictable nature of Moultrie's field time during a press conference.
Moultrie, a midfielder for the National Women’s Soccer League’s Portland Thorns, made headlines in 2021 when she became the youngest player to sign an NWSL contract. Facing initial obstacles, including an antitrust lawsuit against the league, Moultrie eventually secured her position within the Thorns, showcasing her talent and scoring two of the 13 goals by teenagers in the NWSL this season.
Her call-up has garnered excitement among her teammates and colleagues. Thorns captain Becky Sauerbrunn expressed enthusiasm, emphasizing Moultrie's hard-earned opportunity. Similarly, fellow Thorns player Sophia Smith lauded Moultrie's growth both as a player and as an individual, showcasing her pride and excitement for her teammate's potential debut.
Another noteworthy response came from Ashley Hatch, who shared her excitement about having another Latter-day Saint on the national team, underscoring Moultrie's achievements within the sport and her comfort within the professional setting.
Reflecting on Moultrie's selection, Coach Twila Kilgore highlighted the midfielder's exemplary performance with the Thorns, emphasizing her ability to accelerate the team's attack and create opportunities for herself in the league. Kilgore emphasized Moultrie's experience with international play in the past, making this call-up an apt opportunity for her to continue her growth and development within the sport.
