Ireland's women's team slipped to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Switzerland in Biel today. Despite some good early play, Ireland didn't take advantage in the World Cup qualifier and some sloppy defensive play was punished.
The Swiss capitalized on a loose back-pass, scoring with their first shot at goal in the 22nd minute. Lara Dickenmann nicked possession of a sloppy ball out of the Irish defence and fired past the stranded Irish keeper Emma Byrne.
Dickenmann again pounced on 44 minutes to make it 2-0.
Ireland looked like grabbing something out of the game with a spirited start to the second period, forcing the Swiss back for long periods of the half. Olivia O'Toole and Diane Caldwell (making just her second appearance at age 17) helped up the Irish tempo.
When a late penalty shout was waved away it was clear Ireland were not going to get anything out of the game with the favoured Swiss side relieved when the final whistle was blown.
Manager Noel King was upbeat after the game and is already looking forward to the return game. "I thought the team played very well against such a top class opposition, unfortunately it is another hard luck story as we dominated the game entirely and were unlucky to be beaten by two sloppy goals. It will give our team great confidence to know that we should have won here today, we have a very young side and they will have the confidence to go on and beat teams regularly in the top tier of Women's International football. We face Switzerland at home on 22nd April in Richmond Park, Dublin and I know that we will be up to the test to reverse today's result."
Ireland
Emma Byrne (Arsenal FC)
Dolores Deasley (Bristol Academy WFC)
Yvonne Treacy Arsenal FC)
Sonya Hughes (New Hampshire Phantoms/Franklin Pierce)
Ciara Grant (Arsenal FC)
Elaine O'Connor (Long Island Lady Riders)
Michelle O'Brien (Long Island Lady Riders)
Claire Scanlan (Bristol Academy WFC)
Laura Hislop (New Hampshire Phantoms/Franklin Pierce)
Alisha Moran (Harvard University)
Marie Curtin (Hofstra University)
Subs Used
Olivia O'Toole (Shamrock Rovers) on for Marie Curtin, 60 Mins
Diane Caldwell (Raheny United) on for Claire Scanlan, 60 Mins
Subs Not Used
Sarah Peters (Lady Hibernian Saints)
Sharon Boyle (Shamrock Rovers)
Denise Thomas (Boston Renegades)
Kacey Driscoll (Hofstra University)
Edel Malone (Hofstra University) |
