Thorns FC midfielder Olivia Moultrie earned her first international cap for the U.S. Women's National Team in their 3-0 victory over China on Saturday evening at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
A stalwart of the U.S. youth national teams, Moultrie came on in the 71st minute to help the U.S. see out the win. At 18 years and 76 days of age, she is the 72nd teenager all-time to earn a cap for the USWNT and the second this year. Moultrie is the youngest player to debut for the USWNT since 17-year-old Alyssa Thompson debuted for the USA in October of 2022.
Speaking after the match, Moultrie talked about how it was a moment she wouldn't soon forget.
"It was pretty exciting," she said about entering the game. "I was honestly just ecstatic. At that point, the nerves were gone. I was like, 'I'm ready, I'm ready.'"
Moultrie nearly picked up her first goal for the U.S. in the 81st minute. Darting forward on a near-post run, Moultrie took a pass from Midge Purce to one-time a shot on frame forcing Chinese goalkeeper Xu Huan to make a reaction save.
The match also featured a goal from Moultrie's Thorns teammate Sophia Smith. The 2023 NWSL Golden Boot winner scored off a nicely squared feed from Trinity Rodman to give the U.S. an early lead in the eighth minute. It was Smith's 15th all-time goal for the USWNT and also marked her 14th over her last 24 games for the Red, White and Blue.
The USA finishes its 2023 schedule with a second international friendly against China on Dec. 5 at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas (5pm PT, Tru TV, Universo, Max, Peacock).
