NWSL: Uchenna Kanu breaks record after scoring brace against Portland Thorns

Super Falcons and Racing Louisville FC striker, Uchenna Kanu, made history in the National Women's Soccer League last night in her club's 2-2 draw against Portland Thorns, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 27-year-old forward has been plying her trade with the American side since February last year, and last night, became the first player to score a brace inside six minutes of an NWSL game.

Her first goal came inside three minutes. Kaylar Fischer took on her opposing defender before attempting a pass which was blocked. The loose ball fell kindly to Kanu who instinctively twisted and turned before firing a left-footed shot in off the crossbar.

.@UcheOfficial_ with a spin and a strike 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/JmUFQj9bF1

— Racing Louisville FC (@RacingLouFC) March 30, 2024

Her second goal came in the sixth minute. A deft delivery from Reilyn Turner saw Kanu take a literal leap of faith between the two Portland defenders before heading the ball home.

With two goals in three minutes, @UcheOfficial_ is on 🔥#EmbraceTheMoment | #PORvLOU pic.twitter.com/fwNixTZ8uE

— Racing Louisville FC (@RacingLouFC) March 30, 2024

Following the quickfire opener, Kanu scored the fastest brace in the history of the competition to give Racing Louisville SC the lead. Morgan Weaver pulled one back for The Thorns, and they left it late at the Providence Park in Oregon as Samantha Coffey scored a 99th-minute goal to level the scores.

5:40 – Uchenna Kanu's two goals after 5 minutes, 40 seconds for @RacingLouFC is the fastest from kickoff any player has scored two goals in a match in #NWSL history. Sudden. pic.twitter.com/8c2CD3eOfg

— OptaJack⚽️ (@OptaJack) March 30, 2024

Speaking in the post-match presser, the Nigerian striker thanked her teammates for helping her achieve a great feat but was disappointed the game ended in a draw.

“First of all, I’m excited that I got two goals and I didn’t even know I made history today, and I’m super, super thankful for that, and of course, I’m proud of my girls. I think we played well. That last minute was really, really intense for us, and we just need to find a way to grind through the whole game, through the last minute – but overall the girls put in everything today,” the 27-year-old said.

Kanu was included in Coach Randy Waldrum's team to face the Banyana Banyana of South Africa in their Olympic qualifier on the 5th and 9th of April.