Gotham FC rookie Andrea Kitahata couldn’t hide her excitement after making her first career NWSL start on Wednesday against the Denver Summit.

Following the match, the 23-year-old was smiling from ear to ear in the mixed zone after taking part in a tightly-contested first half where Gotham and Denver entered halftime scoreless. She was replaced as part of a double substitution to open the second half.

“It felt incredible,” Kitahata said after making her first NWSL start. “I’m so grateful to be with this group, with such incredible players and historic success. To be able to start and contribute to the team is all I can ask for, and I’m really excited for the rest of the year.”

Kitahata Adapting to Midfield Role

Though she is a natural forward, Kitahata was asked to play in a midfield three alongside Jaelin Howell and Savannah McCaskill.

“I’m playing in different positions, so having people to mentor me in those roles has been incredible,” she said. “I’m learning from the best, so there’s no shortage of learning opportunities.”

Gotham was defeated 2-0 on Wednesday night after the Summit struck two second-half goals in a surprising result, but for Kitahata, the match represented early progress in her young career.

The former Stanford University standout appreciates the advice and mentorship being offered by her experienced Gotham teammates.

“We’re a very vet-heavy team, so there’s no shortage of that,” she stated. “The players have been incredible in integrating me and making sure I’m up to speed tactically and technically.

“That’s what being on a team is all about, and they’ve really helped me coming into my rookie season. I could name a ton of them — we have great leadership and great captains like Jaelin Howell, Emily Sonnett and Rose [Lavelle].”

Kitahata made 20 touches and recorded one tackle in Wednesday’s defeat. She previously appeared for 30 minutes against the North Carolina Courage last Saturday.

Amorós on the Development of Kitahata, Cook

Gotham head coach Juan Carlos Amorós suggested that he will give ample opportunities to Kitahata and fellow first-time NWSL starter Sofia Cook as the season wears on.

“I also want to highlight players like Sofia Cook and Andrea Kitahata,” Amorós said after the match. “In the first half, they were finding their moments and have a bright future. Gotham is not just one or two players — it’s 26 players, and we need everyone ready.”

Having seen 74 total minutes of NWSL action, Kitahata appears ready to shoulder greater responsibility.

“To be trusted to be out there with them, I’m very honored, and I keep learning and growing every day,” she said. “There’s no better environment than playing alongside some of the best in the world.”

Gotham will next face the Orlando Pride on Sunday at 7 p.m. Eastern Time  in a rematch of last season’s NWSL playoff semifinal.

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