Uchenna Kanu scores first goal for Racing Louisville against USWNT U-23

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria forward, Uchenna Kanu scored her first-ever goal for the American side, Racing Louisville as her new team defeated the United States Women’s National Team U-23 side 3-1 to round up pre-season friendlies on Sunday.

The win gave Racing two wins in three matches at the Portland Thorns preseason tournament at Providence Park.

Finnish defender Elli Pikkujämsä, filling in as a defensive midfielder, put Racing ahead in the 14th minute with a well-timed run and back-post header.

The U-23s tied the game in the 24th minute against the run of play, but newly arrived forward Uchenna Kanu’s goal in the 35th minute proved to be the game-winner.

Brazilian midfielder Ary Borges headed in an insurance goal just before halftime, nodding in a 28-yard cross from Wang Shuang just before U.S. goalkeeper Neeku Purcell could get to the ball.

Kanu saw 46 minutes of action before she was replaced by Kirsten Davis.

The win marked the completion of a nine-week preseason, with Racing now turning its focus to the 2023 regular season and the UKG NWSL Challenge Cup.

Louisville opens the campaign on the road next Sunday, taking on Michelle Alozie’s Houston Dash.

The home opener is set for Saturday, April 1, against the Washington Spirit.