NWSL

The NWSL's Portland Thorns will reportedly sign 15-year-old midfielder Olivia Moultrie, according to Paul Tenorio and Meg Linehan of The Athletic, after trading the OL Reign a third-round pick for her rights. 

Per that report, "Moultrie sued the league for the right to play, claiming the NWSL’s age rule that did not allow teams to sign players under the age of 18 violated federal antitrust law. U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut granted a temporary restraining order on that age rule on May 24, clearing the way for Moultrie to sign with the league."

Moultrie has spent the past two years training with the Thorn and was allowed to appear in preseason games, though the league's age rules prevented her from playing in regular-season contests.

The NWSL put her rights in a discovery process last week that allowed her rights to be acquired. The Reign were the first team to put in for those rights and acquired them, though the Thorn quickly moved to secure them via trade. 

The NWSL has argued that its age rules don't violate antitrust laws "because it was conceived by the league before there were any owner-operators, that no owners voted on the rule and that none committed to abide by it," per The Athletic's report.

The league and its players also do not have a collective bargaining agreement at this point, with the age limit likely to be included in those negotiations. 

But soccer leagues across the world, including MLS, allow clubs to sign players under the age of 18. The NWSL's current stance on the issue would run counter to the general culture of signing players under the age of 18 established around the globe. 

Moultrie appears to be one of the burgeoning young stars of the game, with Nike signing her to an endorsement deal when she was just 13, meaning she was bypassing the right to play high school or college soccer to turn pro. That will be a moot point, however, if she's allowed to play actual games for the Thorns. 

Olivia Moultrie, a 15-year-old rising star in the NWSL's Portland Thorns youth academy, has filed an antitrust lawsuit against the league for an age restriction that prevents her from playing in competitive first-team matches.

Maxine Bernstein of The Oregonian reported Tuesday that Moultrie and her father, K.C. Moultrie, are seeking a temporary injunction that would allow the standout midfielder to play in the league's 2021 season, which starts May 15, until the case is settled.

"Ms. Moultrie does not seek an order from this Court awarding her a contract or a roster slot," her lawyers wrote in the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Portland. "Rather, she seeks removal of an unlawful barrier to her participation."

Moultrie has already been taking part in Thorns practices and preseason fixtures, but she isn't eligible to sign an NWSL contract that would allow her to play in official games until she turns 18.

ESPN's Jeff Carlisle provided a statement from the league, which argued the age limit should be settled as part of the ongoing talks with the Players Association about a collective bargaining agreement, not in a federal lawsuit:

"The league is engaged in collective bargaining with the NWSL Players Association, which is the appropriate place according to Federal labor law for issues regarding terms and conditions of employment to play out. Age requirements are a common feature of many men's and women's professional leagues in the U.S. and abroad.

"The rules that govern league operations are in place to support players and team operators and ensure the NWSL remains the premier women's soccer league in the world. We will vigorously defend our league against this litigation because it seeks to change a long-standing rule and interferes with the collective bargaining process."

Moultrie's lawsuit notes the MLS, the top-level men's professional league in the United States, doesn't have an age requirement, nor do most of the professional leagues around the world, per Bernstein.

"Ms. Moultrie would be eligible to play in MLS if she were male, would be able to play in France if she were French, etc., stretching throughout most of the international soccer world," her attorneys wrote. "Ms. Moultrie is in the wrong country, and the wrong gender, to take advantage of her soccer precocity. And illegally so."

Moultrie, who signed an endorsement contract with Nike at the age of 13, has received support from members of the U.S. women's national team:

"It's always been a dream of mine to play professionally in the U.S.," she said in a statement provided by her lawyers to The Athletic. "I know girls my age are competing around the world and I just want to get on the field and officially compete."

Along with monetary damages, the lawsuit states the age rule is preventing the California native from playing professionally, which would help her chances of featuring for the USWNT in major events like this summer's Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Moultrie has featured for the U.S. at the youth international level, but she hasn't played for the senior national team.

An independent investigation into alleged racial profiling at a Houston Dash game in early April has officially been closed, and no disciplinary action will be taken against the club, the NWSL announced Tuesday. 

After an April 9 match between the Chicago Red Stars and the Dash, Chicago defender Sarah Gorden said her boyfriend, who is Black, was confronted by security guards and threatened with arrest when he went to the field level following the game. Gorden said none of the white players or their families, who had also come down to the field, were given similar warnings. 

Citing confidentiality restrictions of existing policies, the ​NWSL did not provide specific findings or conclusions from the investigation.

"The NWSL remains committed to fostering a safe work environment for players and staff, free from harassment, racial bias and discrimination of any kind," the league said in the statement. "And as previously announced is developing mandatory, league-wide training to support that commitment."

Chicago assistant coach Scott Parkinson tweeted a statement on April 10 with further details from his perspective. He explained one of the Red Stars players approached him during Gorden's interaction with the guard, fearing for the safety of her and her family. 

"It seemed to me that Sarah and her three Black friends were the only ones being addressed in this way and it was extremely upsetting," Parkinson said, adding he confronted the guard as well. "... In that moment, my instincts told me they were being unfairly treated because of the color of their skin." 

In their own April 10 statement, the Dash apologized to Gorden and the Red Stars, explaining the guard was "entirely focused on COVID safety" and they would take steps to address the team's current policies. 

Gorden alleged that was not the case, as she noted no other families were bothered on the field. 

The NWSL's Anti-Harassment Policy for a Safe Work Environment "strictly prohibits any and all forms of harassment and discrimination by or against players and other NWSL personnel," including third parties such as team operators, medical staff, league partners or sponsors. 

As of Tuesday afternoon, Gorden had not commented on the league's findings or the decision not to take any disciplinary action. 

The National Women's Soccer League launched an investigation after Chicago Red Stars defender Sarah Gorden alleged she was racially profiled by security personnel at the Houston Dash's home stadium.

Gorden said Saturday she went to see her boyfriend in the stands following Chicago's 0-0 draw. She claimed security approached her while allowing other players to freely interact with loved ones:

The Dash responded by saying the players were in violation of the NWSL's COVID-19 protocols and that its staff members were "entirely focused on COVID safety" and apologized.

The team followed up Tuesday to say its initial statement "was off the mark" and that the NWSL is investigating the incident:

The NWSL addressed the matter in a statement.

"Racial profiling and discrimination have no place in this league, and we are investigating the matter according to league process," the league said, per Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times.

Red Stars assistant coach Scott Parkinson provided his account. One of his players approached him after the game and "seemed concerned for Sarah's safety," at which point he walked over toward Gorden.

"It seemed to me that Sarah and her three Black friends were the only ones being addressed in this way and it was extremely upsetting," Parkinson said.

Red Stars defender Casey Short also issued a statement on behalf of her teammates.

Short said the COVID-19 protocols needed to be followed but that "Sarah was treated inconsistently and inappropriately."

"It is unacceptable that a player is left in tears due to the actions of a stadium employee," she said.

The Red Stars made their only trip to BBVA Stadium in Houston for the NWSL Challenge Cup.

The league has yet to release a full regular-season schedule, so it's unclear when Chicago will travel to Houston again.

Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NWSL draft, scored a 60th-minute goal in her league debut in a 3-2 loss to the Carolina Courage on Saturday in the NWSL Challenge Cup.

The 18-year-old replaced striker Kumi Yokoyama (who scored earlier in the match) in the 55th minute.

Five minutes later, she took an excellent pass from midfielder Natalie Jacobs and made history by becoming the youngest-ever goalscorer in the league's existence.

Rodman was set to play soccer at Washington State beginning in the fall of 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the postponement of the season. She decided to turn pro instead and became the youngest-ever player drafted in NWSL history.

"My mind was already there before I even went to college, but then as soon as I got there I realized that I could totally be pushed to a higher level," Rodman told Caitlin Murray of The Guardian. "Why wouldn't you want to take an opportunity to get better than you would have in college?"

Rodman is already quite good. Of note, she scored nine goals (including five against Honduras in group play) for Team USA at the 2020 CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship. She added two goals apiece in a 6-0 semifinal win over Honduras and a 4-1 victory over Mexico.

Rodman is the daughter of Basketball Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman. She and the rest of the Spirit are set to take the pitch next against Racing Louisville to continue NWSL Challenge Cup play. The match will start Thursday at 7 p.m. ET in Washington, D.C.'s Audi Field.

United States women's national team stars Ashlyn Harris and Ali Krieger voiced their support for transgender athletes at the GLAAD Awards. 

While presenting an award at the virtual ceremony Thursday, Krieger and Harris used the platform to call for transgender athletes to be accepted as "part of the team" in all sports. 

The calls for equality and acceptance by Harris and Krieger come amid recent efforts across the United States to restrict or ban trans athletes from competing in sports. 

Per Dan Avery of NBC News, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves signed the "Mississippi Fairness Act" into law last month that prohibits transgender athletes from participating in school sports in accordance with the gender with which they identify. 

The law also requires all schools in the state to designate sports teams by sex assigned at birth.

Per John Hanna of the Associated Press, Kansas lawmakers are on the verge of passing a bill that would ban transgender student-athletes from competing in girls' or women's sports. 

Hanna noted that Idaho, Arkansas and Tennessee are other states that have signed similar bills into law in the past year. 

“We shouldn’t discriminate against kids and ban them from playing because they’re transgender," Harris said at the GLAAD Awards. 

Harris and Krieger married in 2019. Both play for the Orlando Pride in the NWSL and won FIFA Women's World Cup titles with the USWNT in 2015 and 2019. 

There will reportedly be a presidential feel to the new investment group for the Washington Spirit.

According to Steven Goff of the Washington Post, Chelsea Clinton and Jenna Bush Hager are part of a group investing in the NWSL team.

Clinton is the daughter of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State, U.S. Senator and first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton. Bush Hager is the daughter of former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush.

They aren't the only notable names in the investment group, as former Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes and former U.S. World Cup goalkeeper Briana Scurry are also reportedly involved. Dawes won a gold medal in the 1996 Atlanta Games, while Scurry won two gold medals and the 1999 World Cup during her illustrious career.

Meg Linehan and Pablo Maurer of The Athletic also reported the news, noting managing partner Steve Baldwin was looking for outside investments.

The Spirit finished the 2019 season in fifth place in the NWSL table with 34 points on nine wins, eight losses and seven draws.

The NWSL will start its 2021 season with the Challenge Cup that lasts from April 9 through May 8. The regular season starts May 15.

Tennis star Naomi Osaka announced Thursday that she purchased an ownership stake in the National Women's Soccer League's North Carolina Courage.

Courage chairman and founder Stephen Malik said of Osaka's involvement, according to Reuters (h/t ESPN): "I am thrilled to welcome Naomi as an owner of the North Carolina Courage. She brings an invaluable viewpoint on topics beyond sports. I cannot think of anyone better to help us as we continue to make a difference in our community and inspire the next generation of women."

Osaka, 23, is a native of Japan and owns three career Grand Slam singles titles, having won the 2019 Australian Open and the 2018 and 2020 U.S. Open.

Like Osaka, the Courage have a winning pedigree, as they won the NWSL title and the NWSL Shield in both 2018 and 2019.

Taking part ownership of the Courage is one of the highest-profile investments for Osaka, who was named the highest-paid female athlete in the world by Forbes last year.

Forbes reported that Osaka made $37.4 million in 2020, with $34 million of that coming from endorsements. She topped fellow tennis star Serena Williams, who was second with $36 million in total earnings.

The NWSL did not have an official season in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it did hold the NWSL Challenge Cup, which was won by the Houston Dash.

Although North Carolina went a perfect 4-0 in the preliminary round and had the No. 1 seed in the knockout round, it was upset by Portland Thorns FC in the quarterfinals.

In 2021, the Courage will look to win their third consecutive league title and deliver Osaka her first NWSL championship as an owner.

Racing Louisville FC selected North Carolina midfielder/right back Emily Fox with the top overall pick in Wednesday's 2021 National Women's Soccer League draft. 

The 22-year-old was a Hermann Trophy semifinalist in 2019, college soccer's version of the Heisman Trophy, and was also a first-team All-American, first-team All-ACC selection and was named to the 2019 All-ACC Tournament team. She posted 11 assists in 2019, though a torn ACL forced her to miss the 2019 NCAA College Cup. 

The Virginia native tore the same ACL in 2017, a situation Racing Louisville will certainly monitor closely going forward. 

Fox also has experience at the international level, already making three appearances for the United States women's national team. She'll join Team USA stars Tobin Heath and Christin Press in Louisville after that duo were selected by the club in November's expansion draft.

Racing had a busy first round, also selecting Louisville midfielder Emina Ekic with the No. 5 overall pick. 

The No. 2 overall pick for the Washington Spirit was Trinity Rodman, the daughter of NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman, who chose to go pro and forgo college. 

"He was an amazing athlete, and I got those genes from him," the 18-year-old Washington State student told reporters regarding her famous father. "But I am excited to be known as Trinity Rodman and not just Dennis Rodman's daughter."

UNC midfielder Brianna Pinto was the third overall pick for Sky Blue FC, while Kansas City selected Stanford defender Kiki Pickett No. 4 after a trade with Sky Blue. 

There's another Rodman in the world of professional sports.

Trinity Rodman, whose father is five-time NBA champion Dennis Rodman, was taken with the second overall pick in the 2021 NWSL draft by the Washington Spirit on Wednesday.

The 18-year-old was a member of the women's soccer program at Washington State, though she never played a game for the Cougars because their fall season was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Obviously this has been my dream forever," Rodman said on the league's live stream. "I think right now, with COVID and everything, honestly a lot of people can say its not the right time [to turn pro], but right now I think it’s a perfect time to get in there and learn and become a better player."

Rodman represented the United States on a number of youth national teams. Her most recent appearance came last March when she helped the U.S. under-20 squad to the 2020 CONCACAF women's championship by scoring eight goals and adding six assists.

With the Spirit, she will link up with Kelley O'Hara and Emily Sonnett, who were members of the 2019 Women's World Cup champion national team.

She is the second teenager to be drafted into the NWSL after 19-year-old Sophia Smith was selected by the Portland Thorns with the first pick last year.

Racing Louisville drafted North Carolina defender/midfielder Emily Fox with the No. 1 pick.