USWNT under 20s: Thompson, Shaw, Moultrie

Every now and then there is a soccerista who breaks the mold at a super young age. There has been a lot of discussion over whether or not these youngsters should be allowed to compete in leagues with people twice their age and far more physically developed, but they’ve never stopped fighting. Here are three under 20 USWNT stars.

Though the youngest on this list by almost a full year, Moultrie’s name has been in the mix for the longest. I think we all remember when Moultrie first set the soccer world on fire. Playing since she was four, Moultrie started getting her name out there at age 11 when she committed to UNC. She planned to become a Tar Heel when she reached college age, which incidentally would have been this year.

Three years later, she set her sights on going pro and joined the Thorns FC academy. This is also when she began training with the senior team. But it wasn’t until 2021 that Moultrie would be able to make her professional debut. This followed a tough legal battle that resulted in the NWSL dissolving its age limit, making soccer history.

In the years to follow, Moultrie has become an NWSL Champion, a member of the U-20 and now senior USWNT, an attacking midfielder, and a master of the short 1-2 pass. With her, a little touch can go a long way.

Not every soccerista has to choose between prom and playing in an NWSL match—but Alyssa Thompson did. Drafted first overall to Angel City FC, Thompson scored two opening goals in addition to two others within the first 15 minutes of the first half and was named Rookie of the Year at the end of the season.

Drafted to the NWSL while still in high school, Thompson debuted with the senior USWNT. She was quickly called back up to compete in the FIFA 2023 World Cup, all while still a teenager. Thompson’s ability to work her way in from the outside and run down a ball makes her a dangerous forward. You don’t want to leave Thompson room on the wing, or that ball will be in the net. She’s got an amazing eye for angles that has only improved since her debut. She is a tough forward to catch and even tougher to beat when locked in.

Shaw is another newer, young name that has been at the forefront of the future of soccer for the last few years. Much like Moultrie, Shaw committed to UNC before high school but de-committed when the pros came calling. Training first with PSG overseas, Shaw came back to the States when signed by San Diego Wave when she was 17. Now on a multi-year contract with the Wave, Shaw began her career by scoring in all three of her first appearances, becoming just the second player to do so.

During that season, she became the top teen scorer in the league’s history. Shaw additionally helped the Wave’s win their first Shield. Called up to the senior team just over a year ago, Shaw already has 19 caps for the USWNT. With the team, she has 8 points to her name, five of those in her first five appearances. Shaw is a quick and aggressive player who can settle a ball and fire off a killer shot. As an attacking midfielder, she’s been known to set up a long-running pass up the middle that keeps momentum with her striker and creates those fast break opportunities.

These players are the future of the USWNT. By their mid-20s, they’ll be seasoned professionals and leaders. With their combined powers, plus the new guard already being set up, the future of women’s soccer in the US is so bright it’s blinding.

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