Gotham FC’s Mak Whitham Becomes Youngest Player in NWSL History in Season Opener

Gotham FC, Hudson County’s only professional female sports team, opened its 2025 season with a 1-1 draw against Seattle Reign FC on Saturday night. The game made history when 14-year-old Mak Whitham became the youngest player ever to appear in an NWSL regular-season match, entering as a stoppage-time substitute.

Brazilian forward Gabi Portilho scored in the 47th minute, becoming the first Brazilian to net a goal in her NWSL debut. Seattle equalized in the 71st minute when Emeri Adames finished off a loose ball in the box. Gotham played the final minutes shorthanded after defender Mandy Freeman was sent off in the 87th minute.

Gotham FC head coach Juan Carlos Amorós praised his team’s performance, saying, “We dominated every aspect … created more than the opposition, dominated the ball.”

Several players made their club debuts alongside Whitham, including rookie Sarah Schupansky and midfielder Jaelin Howell.

Gotham FC, which plays out of Harrison, returns home next Sunday for its home opener against reigning champion Orlando Pride at Sports Illustrated Stadium