USWNT Pick Up 1-0 Win Over Ireland As They Continue Final Prep For World Cup

A goal from birthday girl Alana Cook gave the US their second win over the Republic of Ireland, as hometown hero Becky Sauerbrunn was honored for 200 caps.

Photo Courtesy of U.S. Soccer (@USWNT/Twitter)

In their second game in just four days, the United States Women’s National Team defeated the Republic of Ireland 1-0, with head coach Vlatko Andonovski making a total of six changes to the starting lineup.

The U.S. started strong with their first opportunity of the match coming in the third minute from defender Becky Sauerbrunn, who captained the team in her hometown and was honored before kickoff for her 200^th cap. Sauerbrunn crashed the Ireland box off of a corner, connecting with a header that ricocheted off the crossbar denying what would have been her first international goal.

Ireland had their fair share of chances throughout the first half, finding success in causing U.S. turnovers in the midfield to create a flurry of opportunities. They came close to opening the score in the 25th minute when a deflected shot in the U.S. box forced goalkeeper Casey Murphy to make an awkward save, tipping the ball just over the crossbar.

The lone goal of the game came in the 43^rd minute when USWNT defender Alanna Cook managed to chip Ireland’s keeper from near the midfield line. With her goal, Cook became the 117^th person to score for the USWNT, and just the third ever to score on her birthday joining Mia Hamm (hat-trick, 1998) and Alex Morgan (2019).

In the 64^th minute Trinity Rodman was able to find Ashley Sanchez down the left side of the field with a beautiful backheel pass which was then played into the box for Alyssa Thompson. Thompson was able to get to the ball, but Ireland’s keeper did well to come off her line and snuff out the opportunity.

With six minutes of stoppage time to end the game, the U.S. did well to prevent Ireland from finding a late equalizer. Murphy picked up her 10^th career shutout, becoming the ninth USWNT goalkeeper to reach double-digits.

The United States will release their roster for the World Cup in late June, and tonight’s match featured several players who are still vying to be on the plane to New Zealand.

The USWNT will conclude their World Cup preparations against Wales at PayPal Park in San Jose, on July 9^th at 4:00 ET. You can catch the game on TNT, Telemundo, Universo, and Peacock. At the conclusion of the match there will be an on-field send-off ceremony for the team as they begin their journey to the 2023 Women’s World Cup.