Ellie Carpenter

Ten days later, she became the youngest scorer in league history after netting the game-winning goal against the Washington Spirit 22 days after her 18th birthday.

Ellie Madison Carpenter (born 28 April 2000) is an Australian professional soccer player who plays as a defender for French D1 Féminine club Lyon and the Australia national team.

She previously played for Western Sydney Wanderers in Australia's W-League and Portland Thorns FC in the United States' National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).

Carpenter made her debut for the Australia national team at the age of 15, the country's first international soccer player – male or female – to be born in the 2000s (the year 2000 is on the 20th century).

Carpenter joined Western Sydney Wanderers in September 2015.

During the 2015–16 W-League season, she was a starting defender in all twelve games that she played.

The Wanderers finished in seventh place during the regular season with a record.

Her performance during her inaugural season earned her a call-up to a training camp with the Matildas in November 2015.

Despite being only 15, she was a versatile right back defender who often helped out in offensive plays overlapping and serving crosses to her teammates.

She was also the youngest Australian competitor at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, and the youngest ever female footballer to compete at the Olympics.

She made her W-League debut at age 15.

In August 2017, Carpenter signed with Canberra United for the 2017–18 W-League season.

Carpenter was a starting defender in 10 of the 11 games she played and scored 2 goals.

In May 2018, she was the youngest player to appear in an NWSL game in league history at age 18.

Carpenter was named the W-League's W-League Young Footballer of the Year three consecutive years from 2018 to 2020.

Born and raised in Cowra, New South Wales, located approximately 300 km west of Sydney, Carpenter lived on a farm with her parents who were both physical education teachers Growing up, Carpenter regularly undertook extended travels to play football in Young, Canberra and Sydney.

At age 12, her family moved to Sydney so she could attend Westfields Sports High School.

She attended both Cowra and Mulyan Public Schools.

At age 17, she dropped out of school to pursue her athletic career full-time.

She scored her first goal during the team's 6–1 win over Adelaide United on 7 January 2018.

Her next goal was the Wanderers' lone goal during a 5–1 loss to Newcastle Jets on 28 January.

Canberra finished in fifth place during the regular season with a record.

Following the season, she was awarded the league's Young Footballer of the Year.

During the 2018–19 season, Carpenter scored a goal during the team's season-opening 2–0 win over Melbourne City.

She scored her second goal of the season during a 2–2 draw against her former team, Western Sydney Wanderers on 7 December 2018.

The goal was considered controversial as the Wanderers goalkeeper was down injured.

Canberra finished in eighth place with a record.

Carpenter was named Young Footballer of the Year for the second consecutive time.

Carpenter became the youngest player in NWSL history when she made her debut for the Portland Thorns FC on 9 May 2018.

Carpenter was a starting defender in 16 of the 19 games she played during the 2018 season and scored one goal.

Portland finished in second place during the regular season and advanced to the NWSL Playoffs.

After defeating Reign FC 2–1 during the semifinals, Portland was defeated 3–0 by the North Carolina Courage in the Final.

In September 2019, Carpenter announced she would be leaving Canberra for another W-League team after returning from playing with the Portland Thorns during the 2019 NWSL season.

She noted, "I'm off to find a new challenge and to experience new things. My time in green will always be memorable."

Carpenter was a starting defender in 16 of the 19 games she played in during the 2019 NWSL season.

Portland finished in third place during the regular season and advanced to the Playoffs where they were defeated by Chicago Red Stars 1–0 in the semifinals.

In October 2019, Carpenter joined Melbourne City on a one-season loan.

She was a starting defender in all 14 matches and scored two goals.

On 20 February 2020, Carpenter scored a brace against her former team, Western Sydney Wanderers, lifting Melbourne to a 4–0 win and the league premiership.

After advancing to the Final Stages, Carpenter helped Melbourne City win the Grand Final shutting out Sydney FC 1–0.