The U.S. Women`s National Team (USWNT) returns to action against Ireland on Sunday. Under coach Emma Hayes, the team looks to extend its winning streak. They started their three-game summer series strongly with a dominant 4-0 victory over Ireland, known as the Girls in Green, on Thursday. Hayes had previously named a 25-player roster for these friendly matches and indicated that there would be significant player rotations throughout the series after the first match.
Rose Lavelle made a notable return to the team against Ireland, marking her 25th goal and 25th assist for the national team. This was Lavelle`s first appearance with the squad since undergoing ankle surgery, her last game being in December 2024. With the coaching staff monitoring Lavelle`s playing time and an upcoming match against Concacaf rival Canada on July 2, the experienced midfielder might be given a short rest.
In typical Hayes fashion, three more players earned their first national team appearances: goalkeeper Claudia Dickey and defenders Lilly Reale and Jordyn Bugg. First-time call-ups including goalkeeper Angelina Anderson, defender Izzy Rodriguez, and midfielder Sam Meza are still awaiting their debuts.
Match Information & 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
Previous Encounter
The USWNT secured a convincing win against Ireland on Thursday, with goals from Avery Patterson, Sam Coffey, Alyssa Thompson, and Rose Lavelle. Goals were scored evenly across both halves. Coach Hayes praised Patterson`s opening goal and effort, though noted she “didn`t get tested enough defensively… but she`s a great learner and a great listener.”
This recent victory extends the USWNT`s perfect record against Ireland to 16 consecutive wins. They have outscored the Girls in Green 55-1 historically. This winning streak is the best against any opponent in the program`s history and the longest against any team from UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) competition.
Projected Starting 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 Bronsan
- Jessie Stapleton
- Anna Patten
- Caitlin Hayes
- Isibeal Atkinson
- Ruesha Littlejohn
- Megan Connolly
- Emily Murphy
- Kyra Carusa
- Lucy Quinn
- Amber Barrett
Key Players to Watch
Emma Sears, USWNT: The Racing Louisville FC forward is part of the national team setup. While she has primarily featured as a substitute rather than a starter so far, she frequently makes a significant impact when given playing time. Her skill in delivering accurate crosses and cutting inside for shots makes the attack less predictable.
Tara McKeown, USWNT: The Washington Spirit defender has become a regular presence in USWNT rosters throughout 2025. Her background as a forward provides her with an advantage in possession, often driving forward or making effective long passes. McKeown`s transition to centerback has been quite smooth, demonstrating her tactical awareness, composure, and ability to anticipate the game.
Team Storylines
USWNT: This match is a final chance for players to impress the coaching staff before the upcoming game against Canada and a break in international fixtures until October. With the 2027 FIFA Women`s World Cup qualifiers (Concacaf W Championship) just 13 months away, the player pool will likely narrow, and tactical approaches will be refined. Expect players with fewer caps to give their utmost effort to make future selection decisions challenging for Hayes.
Republic of Ireland: With the UEFA Nations League approaching, the Girls in Green will be motivated to put in a better performance against the world`s top-ranked team. Coach Carla Ward faces more limited options than initially expected for the second game against the USWNT. Captain Denise O`Sullivan and Megan Campbell, who missed the match in Denver, have already been ruled out for the return fixture in Cincinnati.
Match Prediction
Much depends on Ireland`s available players following Thursday`s difficult loss, but the team will certainly be driven to avoid conceding four goals again to the USWNT. However, even if it takes some time to break them down, Emma Hayes` squad is expected to secure the win. Prediction: USWNT 3, Ireland 0.
