CARSON – The “kids” are more than all right on the USWNT.
In fact, they’re proving that their time might be now.
In consecutive games to start the CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup, teenagers Olivia Moultrie (18 years old) and Jaedyn Shaw (19 years old) have scored a pair of goals, to lead the way to wins heading into Monday’s group stage finale against Mexico.
“She’s just scratching the surface of what she can do,” USWNT midfielder Rose Lavelle said of Shaw. “She’s a special player and already a big part of this team and I think it’s exciting to see how far she can grow.”
Lavelle made her national team debut when she was a bit older than Moultrie and Shaw. Lavelle was 22 when she opened her senior national team career.
“Obviously, we’re going through a bit of a transition period (with the national team),” Lavelle said. “But I think it’s cool when you go through that and they’re coming in and they’re fitting right in. There’s like not a drop in the level, they’re coming in and are bringing in what they’re great at and helping elevate the team, so I think that’s cool and it’s great to see.”
The Moultrie-Shaw duo became the first different teenagers to score at least two goals in back-to-back games. Moultrie did it in the USWNT’s opening game against the Dominican Republic and Shaw in the second game against Argentina.
“They’re in great club environments and I’m sure that really pushes them,” Lavelle said. “They both chose to go pro at a young age and it’s obviously paying off because they’re great players.”
Moultrie sat out of the Argentina game with an ankle injury.
Moultrie turned professional at 13 years old and made her NWSL debut with the Portland Thorns at 15. Shaw signed with San Diego Wave FC at 17 years old in 2022.
“I’m really happy that I can contribute and make an impact on this team,” Shaw said following the win over Argentina. “I’m never going to be content, so I think I’m going to build and to grow.”
Alex Morgan noted how she impressed she’s been watching Shaw and Moultrie develop and perform in the national team setting.
“They’re handling things way better than I would have,” Morgan said. “They’re handling themselves so professionally. When I talk to J (Jaedyn Shaw) or when I talk with Liv (Olivia Moultrie), they don’t seem like teenagers, I can have conversations with them about soccer and not soccer things and we are a far age difference between myself and them and just the fact they come in here, they have confidence, they feel themselves that they belong, they are taking accountability and ownership on and off the field, it’s very cool to see.”
This experience in the Gold Cup, leading into the NWSL season, should make both players decent candidates to make the Olympic roster.
“It’s always going to be difficult coming into a new environment and being one of the best national teams in the world and feeling like you have the weight on your shoulders, but I think they handle it so well,” USWNT midfielder Lindsey Horan said. “They handle it so professionally. … They’re very mature for their age as well and you see that in their game, but also outside of the field, I think it’s incredible that they fit in so well and they get to impress themselves a little bit too.”
Monday’s first game will feature Argentina against the Dominican Republic at 4:30 p.m., followed the USWNT and Mexico at 7:15 p.m.