The U.S. women`s national team faces Ireland again on Sunday, aiming to continue their winning streak under coach Emma Hayes. The team began their three-game summer series strongly with a dominant 4-0 victory over the Girls in Green on Thursday. Hayes has a 25-player roster for these friendly matches and mentioned plans for significant player rotation throughout the games after Thursday`s fixture.
Rose Lavelle made a notable return to the team, contributing her 25th goal and 25th assist for the national team against Ireland. This marks Lavelle`s first time back with the squad following ankle surgery. With coaching staff managing Lavelle`s playing time and a match against Concacaf rivals Canada scheduled for July 2, the experienced midfielder might be given a short rest.
In characteristic Hayes style, the head coach awarded first national team appearances to three additional players: goalkeeper Claudia Dickey and defenders Lilly Reale and Jordyn Bugg. First-time call-ups Angelina Anderson (goalkeeper), Izzy Rodriguez (defender), and Sam Meza (midfielder) are still awaiting their national team debuts.
How to Watch and Odds
- Date: Sunday, June 29 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: TQL Stadium — Cincinnati, Ohio
- TV: TNT | Live stream: Max
- Odds: USWNT -1400; Draw +900; Ireland +2500
Last Meeting
The USWNT secured a decisive 4-0 win against Ireland on Thursday, with goals scored by Avery Patterson, Sam Coffey, Alyssa Thompson, and Rose Lavelle. The goals were spread evenly across both halves. Coach Hayes praised Patterson`s opening goal and overall effort, though she noted Patterson wasn`t fully tested defensively, adding that she is a quick and attentive learner.
This recent victory extends the USWNT`s perfect record against Ireland to 16 consecutive wins. They have a commanding all-time scoring advantage of 55-1. This winning streak is the team`s best against any opponent in their history and the longest against any team from UEFA.
Predicted Lineups
USWNT: Mandy McGlynn; Izzy Rodriguez, Emily Sams, Tara McKeown, Gisele Thompson; Claire Hutton, Sam Meza, Olivia Moultrie; Yazmeen Ryan, Ally Sentnor, Emma Sears
Ireland: Courtney Brosnan; Jessie Stapleton, Anna Patten, Caitlin Hayes, Isibeal Atkinson; Ruesha Littlejohn, Megan Connolly, Emily Murphy, Kyra Carusa, Lucy Quinn, Amber Barrett
Players to Watch
Emma Sears, USWNT: The Racing Louisville FC forward is part of the national team setup and often makes an impact when coming off the bench. Her ability to deliver accurate crosses and cut inside for shots adds an element of unpredictability to the attack.
Tara McKeown, USWNT: The Washington Spirit defender has become a regular fixture in the 2025 USWNT rosters. Her background as a forward provides her with an advantage in possession, frequently pushing into the midfield or playing effective long balls. McKeown`s move to centerback has been smooth, highlighting her intelligence, composure, and defensive awareness.
Storylines
USWNT: This match presents a final chance for players to impress the coaching staff before the upcoming match against Canada and then a break until the next international window in October. With only 13 months remaining until the 2027 FIFA Women`s World Cup qualifiers in the Concacaf W Championship, the player pool is expected to narrow, and tactical approaches will be refined. Expect less-capped players to give their utmost to make future selection decisions difficult for Hayes.
Republic of Ireland: With the UEFA Nations League approaching, the Girls in Green will be motivated to deliver a stronger performance against the world`s top-ranked team. Head coach Carla Ward has fewer options than anticipated for the second game against the USWNT, as captain Denise O`Sullivan and Megan Campbell missed the match in Denver and have been ruled out for the game in Cincinnati due to injury.
Prediction
Much will depend on Ireland`s available players after their challenging loss on Thursday, but the team will likely be determined to avoid conceding four goals again. However, even if it takes some time to break through, Emma Hayes` squad is expected to secure the win. Pick: USWNT 3, Ireland 0
