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

McKenna “Mak” Whitham made history on Sunday night by becoming the youngest player ever to play for a top American 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 match against the Washington Spirit. Gotham was leading at the time and held on for a 1-0 victory.

“She’s been training with us in the group and working hard, just like all of us,” said Gotham goalkeeper Cassie Miller told the Athletics after the match. “I think the excitement for her is incredible. I remember, for example, being 14 and being able to do this – kudos to her, because I definitely wasn’t ready for it.”

Whitham had to apply for a license to play the game, as minors are typically not allowed to work after 7 p.m. in New Jersey. Gotham signed her last week, the day before her 14th birthday. She also signed a sponsorship deal with Nike in February, making her the youngest athlete ever to sign with the company.

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

Whitham won’t play in the NWSL until next year, but was allowed to play in the Summer Cup, which is taking place while the league is on hiatus for the Olympics, because her contract allows her to 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 ever to play in an MLS match, coming on as a substitute for the Philadelphia Union at the age of 14 years and 293 days.