McKenna Whitham makes US soccer history with appearance days after 14th birthday

McKenna “Mak” Whitham made history on Sunday night as she became the youngest-ever player to appear for a top-flight US soccer team.

Whitham, who turned 14 last week, came on as a substitute for NJ/NY Gotham in the 80th minute of their Summer Cup game against the Washington Spirit. Gotham were leading at the time and held on for a 1-0 victory.

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“She’s been in the group training with us and putting in the hard work, just as any one of us have been,” Gotham goalkeeper Cassie Miller told the Athletic after the game. “I think the excitement for her is incredible. Like, I remember when I was 14 years old and to be able to do this – kudos to her because I definitely wasn’t ready.”

Whitham had to obtain a permit to play in the game as minors are not usually allowed to work after 7pm in New Jersey. Gotham signed her last week, a day before her 14th birthday. She also signed a sponsorship with Nike in February, making her the youngest ever athlete to sign with the company.

“I processed it, and it’s still new to me,” Whitham told ESPN last week . “But, I mean, I’m not going to be cocky about it. I’m going to stay humble, and I’m still going to keep developing. My goal is to be a top player in the NWSL, and I know that Gotham will help me become that player.”

Whitham will not play in the NWSL until next year but was allowed to participate in the Summer Cup, which is taking place while the league takes a hiatus during the Olympics, as her contract says she can play for the team during international breaks. Seven Gotham players are in Paris for the Olympics.

Earlier this month, Cavan Sullivan became the youngest player to appear in an MLS match when he came on as a substitute for Philadelphia Union at the age of 14 years and 293 days.