SantaFeToday.com Santa Fe’s Hometown News
By Arnie Leshin
Something new in Women’s World Soccer Cup became a happening Sunday when 16-year-old Casey Phair South Korea forward/striker entered the match against Columbia played in Sydney, Aus.
Born in South Korea, her parents met there, her father an English teacher and mother a restaurant owner, and both had previously lived in Warren, N.J., where they moved back to after Casey was born.
She turned 16 just 26 days after her Sweet 16 birthday and made her game appearance as a substitute in its 68th minute.
Before becoming in the South Korea lineup, Casey played for the United States Development League in Somerset, N.J.
“My parents have always looked after me, supported me,” she said, “as have the Korean media and the fans.”
Before this, the only other time a World Cup Soccer Player, male or female, went from a mixed heritage was Nigeria’s Ifeanyi Chiejine in 1999 to the U.S.A. when she was 16 and 34 days old.
