skip to main content

Gutsy Ireland beaten by world No 1 USA in Austin

Updated / Saturday, 8 Apr 2023 22:28
Emily Fox celebrates her opener
Emily Fox celebrates her opener

USA 2-0 Republic of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland fell to a 2-0 friendly defeat to the world No-1 ranked USA after a gutsy display in Austin, Texas.

Emily Fox broke the deadlock in the 37th minute with a low drive from 25 yards out, and Lindsey Horan made sure of the victory 11 minutes from time when she fired home a penalty.

But overall Vera Pauw will be content with how her side acquitted themselves against high-quality opponents, with debutante Sinead Farrelly offering glimpses of her undoubted class.

Pauw sprung a few surprises in her starting XI. Ex-USA underage international Farrelly went straight into the midfield having only received her international clearance yesterday, while Marissa Sheva - who made her debut against China in February - also got the nod.

Aoife Mannion kept her place at the heart of the defence alongside Louise Quinn and Diane Caldwell, with Denise O'Sullivan wearing the captain's armband on the occasion of her 100th cap.

Ireland settled well, holding a typically disciplined defensive shape while asking early questions of their hosts going forward.

Farrelly is not long back in the game following an eight-year absence, but her technical excellence was evident from the off. She gelled nicely with O'Sullivan and Megan Connolly, exhibiting lots of clever touches and notable composure.

Inevitably though, the Americans began to hoard the ball and push Ireland back.

First, Sophia Smith almost connected with a teasing cross that flashed across the face of the Irish goal; then Horan diverted a free-kick narrowly past the post.

But the Girls in Green posed a threat of their own.

On 19 minutes, they almost took the lead when Katie McCabe's corner was nodded goalwards by Louise Quinn - the well positioned Alex Morgan rescuing her team by knocking it off the line.

Sinead Farrelly in action for Ireland

Ireland went close again soon after, the marauding Heather Payne powering down the right side of the box and flashing in a cross that caused chaos. USA keeper Alyssa Naeher scooped it away from Carusa, leading to a scramble that saw O’Sullivan, McCabe and Carusa all have efforts charged down.

That sparked a response from America. Smith forced Quinn into a fine block before stinging the palms of Brosnan with a well-struck shot.

And then came the breakthrough. Ireland failed to get out quick enough after being pinned back by the USA and Fox had the time and space to lash a low striker into the bottom left corner.

Ireland thought they’d equalised on the stroke of half-time. Carusa spread the play with a good crossfield ball that found Payne in space. She surged forwards before whipping in a great cross that Carusa, who'd continued her run, glanced home. Alas, the flag was raised; Carusa had just strayed offside.

The USA went up a gear on the turnaround. Trinity Rodman - who came on for the injured Mallory Swanson - caused fresh problems and should have doubled her side’s advantage just before the hour, first ballooning an effort over from 15 yards out, and then heading straight at Brosnan after losing her marker.

The introduction of Julie Ertz further lifted the crowd - and the home players.

Ertz is back in the fold following an extended absence after she gave birth to her first child and she stamped her authority on the contest immediately, teeing up Lavelle to have a pop, with Brosnan doing well to tip it onto the post.

There followed a period of full-on home pressure as Ireland found increasingly hard to get out of their own half.

With 11 minutes to go, the pressure told. Caldwell was guilty of tugging Horan's shirt, and when the American went to ground, the referee pointed to the spot. Horan dusted herself down to take the kick, which cannoned off Brosnan’s right arm and flew in via the underside of the crossbar.

Peamount United’s Tara O’Hanlon came on for her senior debut in the closing stages as a tired Ireland denied the USA a third.

Ultimately it was a first defeat in ten games for the Girls in Green, who immediately flew to Missouri for Tuesday night's rematch.

USA: Alyssa Naeher; Becky Sauerbrunn, Mallory Swanson (Trinity Rodman 45), Lindsey Horan, Sophia Smith, Alex Morgan (Hatch 66), Rose Lavelle, Andi Sullivan (Julie Ertz 67), Crystal Dunn (Emily Sonnett 66), Emily Fox, Naomi Girma

Republic of Ireland: Courtney Brosnan, Heather Payne, Louise Quinn, Aoife Mannion (Ruesha Littlejohn 60), Diane Caldwell, Katie McCabe; Sinead Farrelly (Aine O’Gorman 60), Denise O’Sullivan, Megan Connolly, Kyra Carusa; Marissa Sheva (Tara O’Hanlon 86)

More stories on

Read Next