Teenage USWNT prospect Alyssa Thompson dazzles in rookie NWSL campaign

U.S. Women’s National Team up-and-comer Alyssa Thompson, who was recently named NWSL Rookie of the Month, is off to an impressive start in her rookie campaign with Angel City FC.

The 18-year-old stepped up on Sunday afternoon for Angel City FC as Los Angeles registered their first home win of the season in a 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Current. Thompson scored her third goal of the regular season in the 31st minute with a nifty right-footed shot from a tight angle, curling her attempt off the far post, back off the near post, and in to give Angel City a 1-0 lead.

A remarkable individual effort by Thompson, the goal will likely hold up as one of the best of the NWSL season. Despite being only a teenager, Thompson is making a habit out of beating multiple (far more experienced) defenders at once, in what has been a dazzling start to her professional career.

An absolute stunner of a goal ?

Take a bow, Alyssa Thompson. ? pic.twitter.com/d5H1GixMQ4

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) May 8, 2023

The No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 NWSL Draft, Thompson previously scored her first career goal just 11 minutes into her NWSL debut, becoming the fourth-youngest player to score in league history. Thompson joins reigning NWSL MVP and Portland Thorns FC striker Sophia Smith as the only No. 1 picks to score in their respective debuts.

Following her breakout performance in Angel City’s season-opening match against NJ/NY Gotham FC, the Los Angeles, California native added another goal to her ledger in the club’s 3-3 draw against Portland Thorns FC on April 29.

Currently, her 3 goals are tied for 7th in the NWSL overall this season.