USWNT vs. Ireland: What to Expect From Each Team

The USWNT and Ireland will square off in two key friendlies before the World Cup this summer. There’s still a chance that either team could schedule more matches to give the coaching staff more chances to evaluate the system and players within it. But as of now, these are the last scheduled games before the World Cup. Considering the USWNT’s current roster and who we could still see return, this is a big deal. Here’s a preview of the USWNT’s friendlies versus Ireland. 

The Return of a Key Midfielder

The biggest question mark has been looming over the USWNT for the last year and a half; who will play the No. 6? Up until this point, no one has been able to play that role well enough to where they can be counted on in the World Cup. That’s when news broke of Julie Ertz’s return to the USWNT. 

“Having a new perspective has given me a new drive.” – @julieertz pic.twitter.com/TnZL71kVBZ

— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) April 4, 2023

To see her still have her love for the game and come back with a fresh perspective has to be exciting for her and for all of us to get the opportunity to watch her again.

After seeing what Crystal Dunn did in the NWSL playoffs last year for the Portland Thorns since returning from her pregnancy, there’s no reason to think Julie Ertz can’t have a similar impact for the USWNT. It might not be immediately; who knows if she even plays. This might be more of an evaluation to see if she’ll be ready by World Cup time. Whether she plays in these friendlies or not, we’re all happy that she is back and has a chance to help the USWNT win another World Cup. 

The 26-Player Roster

GOALKEEPERS (3): Adrianna Franch (Kansas City Current; 10), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage; 13), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars; 89)

DEFENDERS (10): Alana Cook (OL Reign; 23/0), Tierna Davidson (Chicago Red Stars; 48/1), Emily Fox (North Carolina Courage; 27/0), Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns FC; 130/24), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC; 14/0), Sofia Huerta (OL Reign; 28/0), Casey Krueger (Chicago Red Stars; 37/0), Kelley O’Hara (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 156/3), Becky Sauerbrunn (Portland Thorns FC; 214/0), Emily Sonnett (OL Reign; 73/1)

MIDFIELDERS (7): Julie Ertz (Unattached; 116/20), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon, FRA; 126/26), Taylor Kornieck (San Diego Wave FC; 12/2), Rose Lavelle (OL Reign; 87/24), Kristie Mewis (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 50/7), Ashley Sanchez (Washington Spirit; 22/3), Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit; 42/3)

FORWARDS (6): Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit; 17/5), Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave FC; 204/121), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit; 15/2), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC; 27/12), Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars; 87/32), Lynn Williams (NJ/NY Gotham FC; 52/15)

USWNT vs. Ireland: What to Expect

Seeing Tierna Davidson back is huge for the USWNT because this backline is strong but not deep at the center back spot. Becky Sauerbrunn and Naomi Girma are there, but all the other defenders listed played outside back. Davidson has had success in the middle as opposed to Alana Cook, who has been exposed in some previous friendlies.

The rest of the roster should not be a surprise. Most of it is the same, but the return of Sophia Smith makes the attack even more robust.

When it comes to their opponent, Ireland qualified for their first World Cup by taking out Scotland in a World Cup playoff. It’s a historic year that Ireland will look to capitalize on, and it starts with the USWNT. They have two phenomenal players who will look to control the game. Denise O’Sullivan, who has been a stalwart for the North Carolina Courage, and Katie McCabe, who has scored 13 times for Arsenal and 18 times for the Irish National Team. If the USWNT don’t deny either of them the ball, Ireland will be able to create chances in this match. 

However, looking at the overall history, the USWNT has won all 13 meetings, with the last being a 3-0 defeat back in 2019. The first friendly is in Austin, TX, on April 8 at 2:30 PM ET/11:30 AM PT on TNT, and the second is in St. Louis on April 11 at 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT on HBO Max and Peacock.

The expectation is two wins in two games for the USWNT, but the mystery is who we will see in the midfield. Be sure to tune i; it’ss one of the last chances we’ll have to see the USWNT together before the World Cup. 

Featured image via @USWNT on Instagram

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