USA Women Top Ireland in Tune-up Test

The U.S. Women’s National Team defeated the Republic of Ireland, 2-to-0, in the first of two international friendly contests.  The matches are the final preparation for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be played this summer. 

USA’s Emily Fox opened the scoring in the 37th minute, collecting a pass from Andi Sullivan, and drilling a shot from 20 yards out into the lower left corner of the goal. The goal was the first in Fox’s tenure with the team. 

Lindsey Horan doubled USA’s lead in the 80th minute, drawing a penalty in the box, and earning a penalty kick.  Horan’s shot was touched by goalkeeper’s Courtney Borsnan’s hand, but the momentum carried the ball into the net. 

The U.S. dominated in every statistical category (shots: 25-8; shots on goal: 8-1; saves: 6-0; corner kicks: 10-3, possession: 70%-30%), but Ireland severally tested the home team, especially in the first half. 

“I was happy to see how the performance progress throughout the 90 minutes.  It was pretty obvious that things did not work well for us in the beginning. We’re trying to figure things out,” said U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Vlatko Andonovski. 

Overall, Andonovski expressed pride for the team, saying “They stayed persistent.  They stayed true to what we believe in. They figured it out.”

Anddonovski went on to say, “I want to say, (Ireland is) a very good opponent, really well organized, really disciplined.  Exactly what we needed in this game.  To score two goals and to create as many opportunities as we did, I’d say is job well done.”    

In a bit of bad news for the U.S., forward Mallory Swanson suffered what appeared to be a dislocated knee in the final moments of the first half.  Swanson left the field in a stretcher attended by EMTs. 

“Any time an injury happens, the emotions run high, regardless of what type of injury that happened,” said Andonovski.  “Mal is a very lovable person.  She’s a happy person in the environment.  She brings joy to the environment. The staff, the players, everybody was affected by it.”