By Caden Charpentier
Some 224 days since her last appearance, Uchenna Kanu made an important return to the pitch for Racing Louisville FC in the second half of last weekend’s game against the Washington Spirit.
The Nigerian international, who subbed on in the 85th minute Saturday for Taylor Flint, made these her first minutes since an August 31, 2024, appearance against Seattle Reign FC.
“It felt good,” Kanu said, despite a 2-0 defeat. “It’s been a while. Unfortunately, the result … was not what we wanted, but just personally getting back on the field and being able to play my first 2025 game — I feel great.”
While Louisville’s No. 29 was limited to five minutes plus stoppage time in the loss, her impact was very much felt. Kanu’s return coincided with a momentum shift late in the match as she amassed one of Racing’s four shots in second half stoppage time.
Prior to her injury last year, the 27-year-old was one of head coach Bev Yanez’s most consistent goal threats with five goals in 12 games. Kanu’s 0.60 goals per 90 minutes total was the fourth-highest in the NWSL among players with at least five starts.
Now, Racing will look for Kanu to provide a welcomed lift in scoring. The club has netted two goals – both by Emma Sears — through four games.
However, signs of productivity in the attack are there. Louisville ranks third in total shots (54) and fourth in expected goals (5.6) across the league. Reintroducing someone with a track record in front of goal like the 2019 NAIA Player of the Year should help put a few more of those shots in the back of the net.
“We’re learning and growing as a team,” Kanu said. “… I think what we have is unique … we’re working together, trying to do things together. We’re in a good place. We just need to find a way to turn things around this early in the season.
“For now, I’ve been cleared to start a few minutes,” Kanu added. “… We’re going to build from there … for me, I’m ready mentally, physically. I think I’m ready to go (play) as much time as I’m given.”
