Alyssa Thompson Shines in USWNT and NWSL: A Rising Star in American Soccer

Alyssa Thompson, the 18-year-old forward, is making significant waves in both the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Recently, Thompson spoke to the media ahead of the USWNT’s match against Iceland, highlighting her growing role in the national team.

In the NWSL, Thompson continues to have a standout rookie season with Angel City. Her latest goal contributed to a record-breaking number of goals scored by teenagers in the league. Thompson’s fourth goal of the season helped Angel City secure a 2-1 comeback win over Gotham FC, marking the 13th goal scored by players 18 and younger in NWSL competitions this year. This surpasses the previous total of eight goals scored by players in this age group over the league’s first 10 seasons.

Angel City’s interim head coach, Becki Tweed, praised Thompson’s performance, noting her ability to change the momentum of the game. “She came in and changed moments of the game for us tonight,” Tweed said. “Really important that we have that quality, and a really important moment for her as well. She showed her true quality tonight. Her ceiling is so high and she still has so much to grow, but to come on and be a game-changer at the age of 18 is a big ask in a big game and that’s what she did.

Thompson’s contributions are part of a larger trend of young players making an impact in the NWSL. Other notable teenagers include Jaedyn Shaw of San Diego, Olivia Moultrie of Portland, and Chloe Ricketts of Washington, all of whom have scored goals this season.

As the NWSL season nears its end, Angel City, currently in eighth place, is aiming for its first postseason appearance since joining the league last season. Their final regular season game is against the top-ranked Portland Thorns next Sunday.