Ireland WNT produced a laudable performance in a narrow 1-0 loss to World Champions USA in St. Louis as they ended an International Friendly double header with plenty of positives.
RueshaLittlejohnvUSA.jpg
12th Apr 2023
Alana Cook's cross from deep evaded goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan to fly into the back of the net just before half-time. It was a cruel goal to concede, especially since Brosnan was superb throughout.
Similar to their performance in Austin, Texas, Ireland frustrated the World No 1 and limited them to few real goalscoring opportunitiies, while also putting them under pressure themselves.
The work of Kyra Carusa up front allowed Ireland to stretch the pitch and push their hosts back, while Katie McCabe and Heather Payne zipped up and down either flank.
There was a scare early on when St. Louis native Becky Sauerbrunn forced Brosnan into a smart save and Sophia Smith fired over but Ireland were not over-run in this game. In fact, they linked play well, broke up counter attacks and proved that they can be a threat too.
The purpose of this game was for Ireland to test themselves under pressure and that is exactly what they experienced here. It is all part of their preparation for FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 but there is still work to do.
Manager Vera Pauw can be pleased by what she saw with Sky Player of the Match Lucy Quinn and Marissa Sheva providing energy in attacking areas, while the midfield and defence were solid when they needed to be.
USA: Casey Murphy; Sofia Huerta, Alana Cook, Ashley Sanchez, Kelley O’Hara (Casey Krueger 46), Becky Sauerbrunn (Tierna Davidson 29), Lindsey Horan (Kristie Mewis), Andi Sullivan (Julie Ertz 46), Sophia Smith (Trinity Rodman 46), Alyssa Thompson, Alex Morgan (Ashley Hatch 46).
Ireland: Courtney Brosnan; Heather Payne (Tara O’Hanlon 84), Louise Quinn, Megan Connolly, Diane Caldwell (Hayley Nolan 58), Katie McCabe; Lucy Quinn (Roma McLaughlin 69), Ruesha Littlejohn (Ciara Grant 58), Denise O’Sullivan; Marissa Sheva (Áine O’Gorman 69); Kyra Carusa (Amber Barrett 82).
Referee: Crystal Sobers (Trinidad & Tobago). |
