← Latest briefing

Entertainment

Olivia Moultrie's torn ACL leaves USWNT midfield thin ahead of 2027 World Cup

The Portland Thorns midfielder faces a 9-to-12-month recovery schedule after suffering an injury in early August.

The short version

  • Olivia Moultrie suffered a torn ACL at the start of August, threatening her availability for the 2027 Women's World Cup.
  • The injury impacts both the Portland Thorns and the USWNT, which faces a reduced depth of all-around central midfielders.
  • Potential options for national team manager Emma Hayes include Lily Yohannes, Claire Hutton, and Lindsey Heaps.

Key facts

  • Olivia Moultrie suffered a torn ACL at the start of August.[The Guardian]
  • Standard recovery for an ACL injury ranges between 9 and 12 months.[The Guardian]
  • The 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil is set to begin on June 24.[The Guardian]
  • Moultrie recorded five goals and five assists in 1,312 NWSL minutes this season for the Portland Thorns.[The Guardian]

What remains uncertain

  • It remains uncertain whether Moultrie will complete her rehabilitation in time to secure a place on the USWNT World Cup roster.[The Guardian]

Sources