Moultrie injured for the rest of the season

Portland Thorns and U.S. Women's National Team midfielder Olivia Moultrie will miss the remainder of the 2026 season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. The NWSL club announced the news on Tuesday.

  Olivia Moultrie, a key figure for the Portland Thorns in the NWSL, will see her 2026 season cut short prematurely. The 24-year-old, who is also a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team, is now sidelined for several months due to the knee injury. Her absence deprives her club of one of its leaders as competition intensifies toward the end of the season. This news is a major blow for the Thorns, who were counting on Moultrie in their title pursuit. The young midfielder, known for her dynamism and technical skill, was also in contention for a spot in the U.S. squad for upcoming international matches.

A challenging schedule for the United States

The U.S. Women’s National Team, which is actively preparing for upcoming fixtures, will have to do without Moultrie for the rest of the year. The player, who had already shone in previous tournaments, was expected to bolster the midfield of the Stars and Stripes in upcoming matches. Her absence could force the head coach to reconsider tactical options. The Portland Thorns, for their part, will need to find solutions to compensate for this forced departure. The franchise, accustomed to performing in the NWSL, will have to adapt quickly to this situation, especially as the summer season approaches with crucial matches. These players who became stars after a World Cup could inspire other young talents to step up.

An uncertain return for Moultrie

The duration of Olivia Moultrie’s rehabilitation remains unknown. Knee injuries, particularly ACL tears, typically require a lengthy recovery period, often ranging from six to nine months. The player will need to follow a strict protocol to hope to regain her pre-injury level of play. In the meantime, supporters of the Thorns and the Stars and Stripes will have to wait before seeing Moultrie back on the field. Her return, though highly anticipated, will depend on her physical progress and the success of her rehabilitation. For now, the 2026 season will conclude without her, leaving uncertainty about her short-term sporting future.