Angel City striker Casey Phair, the youngest player to ever compete in a World Cup, made her NWSL debut Friday.
The 17-year-old striker subbed on for NWSL rookie Riley Tiernan in the 76th minute at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, appearing for Angel City for the first time since signing with the club in January 2024.
The signing came a few months after Phair made history as the youngest player to ever debut in a World Cup at 16 years, 26 days old. She was also the youngest player to sign with Angel City through the NWSL’s Under-18 entry mechanism.
Phair debuted in the 2023 World Cup for South Korea, appearing in a 2-0 loss to Colombia. She became the first mixed-heritage player to be called up to a South Korean World Cup team.
The teen’s NWSL debut came on what proved to be a disappointing night for Angel City, who fell to Gotham 4-0 thanks to another brace from Spanish striker Esther González.
Phair is part of a wave of teens who have entered the NWSL in recent years, taking advantage of the pathway recently established by the league. Gotham striker Mak Whitham, who became the youngest player to debut in the league at 14 years old last month, was also on the pitch Friday night.
Phair only played one season of high school soccer in New Jersey before turning professional with the South Korean national team.
(Photo: Kerem Yucel / AFP via Getty Images)