USWNT vs. Ireland: What We Learned in the Last Two Matches Before World Cup Prep
The USWNT’s two matches against Ireland can accurately be described as bittersweet. There were some great moments across the two matches, with one tragic event that stunned everyone. There’s a lot to unpack from what could’ve been the last time we see the USWNT before the World Cup. Let’s recap all the madness from the two friendlies between the USWNT and Ireland.
USWNT vs. Ireland Game 1
The first half of the first match was going swimmingly for the USWNT. Ireland sat back and looked to defend while trying to catch the United States on the counter. The Irish executed their game plan fairly well. They made the game physical, always putting a body on every USWNT player when given an opportunity. Plus, when they did counter, they looked like a threat to score. If you’re an Ireland fan, you’re probably thrilled about how the team looked against a team like the USWNT.
However, the fact that Ireland was sitting so far back allowed the USWNT to score their first goal. Emily Fox came from a deeper, defensive position and was able to use some of the space given to her because Ireland was parking the bus. Fox received the ball, took a quick touch, and fired the shot home from long range, a great way to score her first international goal.
Emily Fox with her FIRST INTERNATIONAL GOAL 👏
(via @USWNT) pic.twitter.com/gk0RPa0385
— espnW (@espnW) April 8, 2023
Then sadly, disaster struck right before half-time. Mallory Swanson went down, and everyone collectively held their breath. A torn patellar tendon means she’s done for the year, and no World Cup for someone who has been playing the best soccer of their career. It’s heartbreaking, but the USWNT still had to find a way to regroup and push through it.
The second half was a bit of a bright spot considering Julie Ertz subbed in for the first time in a year and a half. Seeing her out there was reassuring for a lot of USWNT that she’s still her old self and throwing her body on the line nearly every play. There’s surely still some work left for her to get back to playing a full 90 minutes or even 60 if need be.
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Lindsey Horan also received a little piece of redemption by scoring a penalty kick in the second half. She just missed from the penalty spot midweek in the Champions League for Lyon against Chelsea, so you can see how good it felt for Horan to score this time.
The match would end 2-0, and the USWNT would look to improve by the second match.
Game 2 Recap
Alyssa Thompson came in to replace Mallory Swanson for the second USWNT vs. Ireland match. She even started the game and played all 90 minutes. Again, Ireland was successful in their game plan. While the USWNT planned this on purpose and naturally wanted to test themselves against a physical team, they’ll be a little discouraged that they only scored once.
The goal they scored was one to remember for Alana Cook. It was her first international goal, just like Emily Fox.
Can’t. Stop. Watching.
⚽️ @_alana_cook pic.twitter.com/40tQiXVd95
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) April 12, 2023
To only have 53% possession, two shots on target, and a 79% pass accuracy suggest that Ireland adjusted even better in the second match and slowed this USWNT attack down. Anyone with a second opportunity to see the same team again days later can do this. It’s not the biggest deal for the USWNT. But it is another warning shot to know where the goals will come from, especially without Mallory Swanson.
There’s still a bit of an uneasy feeling because of the performances. However, the USWNT knows what they need to fix. They’ll do everything they can to be ready for the World Cup. The USWNT might have hit a bit of a snag, but there is plenty of time for them to prepare for the World Cup.
Featured image via @USWNT on Instagram
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