Zoey Kuhn left California for Rosario Central and won promotion, says La Nación

Zoey Kuhn left her campus life in California on three days’ notice in April 2026 to join Rosario Central, ultimately capturing both the Primera B title and promotion to Argentina’s top flight in her debut season, La Nación reported.

From Thousands Oaks to Rosario on Three Days Notice

The 22-year-old from Thousand Oaks, California, was finishing her degree at Azusa Pacific University when she received an unexpected call on April 4, 2026. The transfer window in Argentina was closing in 72 hours, forcing Kuhn to leave her apartment, abandon her campus job, and pay two months of extra rent just to catch her flight south. She had originally planned to move to Australia after graduation, but the sudden opportunity at Rosario Central changed her trajectory completely. According to La Nación, she chose the upheaval deliberately, noting that she prefers stepping out of her comfort zone because discomfort fosters personal growth.

Adjusting to a New League and Physical Style

Playing as the number 9 for Rosario Central, Zoey Kuhn completed her first season in Argentine soccer. She told La Nación that she initially struggled with the heavy challenges from central defenders and the lenient officiating on physical contact, having previously played on the wings where she racked up yellow cards before learning to manage referees. Despite missing a stretch of matches due to a grade-2 ankle ligament sprain and starting matches on the bench during her recovery, Kuhn finished the campaign with nine goals and eight assists across 17 appearances. Her contract runs through December, with the top-flight season slated to begin in February 2027.

Cultural Quirks and Daily Life in Argentina

Adapting off the pitch brought its own set of adjustments for the American forward, who lives in an apartment near the Monumento a la Bandera provided by the club. Kuhn told La Nación that she struggled initially with local schedules, particularly because Argentines eat dinner and sleep much later than she was used to in California. Her culinary explorations have yielded mixed results: she drinks water instead of joining her teammates in the daily mate ritual, finds fernet interesting, and enjoys asado, though she nearly vomited after unknowingly eating chinchulines. Outside of training, she studies Spanish through Duolingo, and relies on bilingual teammates to translate tactical instructions during fast-paced training sessions.

What Lies Ahead for the California Native

With her first championship secured in South America, Kuhn plans to return to the United States in December to spend the holidays with her family and friends before evaluating her next career steps. La Nación noted that her contract with Rosario Central covers her through December, and while she is currently reviewing options with her agent, she has expressed a clear desire to stay if the club offers an extension for the 2027 campaign.

More on Rosario: Rosario futsal team selects 13-player roster for national tournament