sports
Olivia Moultrie’s injury leaves the USWNT with a thinning midfield pool ahead of the World Cup
The Portland Thorns midfielder fills a role few in the US player pool can match, and she’s in a race against time to be fit for Brazil
TL;DR
- Olivia Moultrie suffered a torn ACL, beginning a recovery process that puts her World Cup readiness in doubt.
- Moultrie is a key player for the Portland Thorns and the USWNT, known for her tidy and dangerous play in possession.
- Her injury creates a significant gap in the USWNT's midfield, as there are few like-for-like alternatives.
- Potential replacements like Lily Yohannes and Claire Hutton have different strengths and weaknesses that would require tactical adjustments.
- Moultrie's development and role in the USWNT system highlight the challenge Emma Hayes faces in preparing the team for the World Cup.