The U.S. Women`s National Team is set to face Ireland again on Sunday, continuing their summer series under the guidance of Coach Emma Hayes. The Stars and Stripes began the three-game stretch with a convincing 4-0 victory over the Girls in Green just last Thursday. Hayes selected a 25-player roster for these friendly matches and has indicated plans for significant player rotations throughout the series.
Midfielder Rose Lavelle marked her return to the squad with an impressive performance against Ireland, contributing both her 25th career goal and 25th assist for the national team. Lavelle is back with the team for the first time since undergoing ankle surgery. Given the coaching staff`s focus on managing Lavelle`s playing time, especially with a match against Concacaf rivals Canada scheduled for July 2, the veteran player may see reduced minutes in the upcoming game.
In line with her approach, Coach Hayes also awarded first national team caps to three additional players in the previous match: goalkeeper Claudia Dickey and defenders Lilly Reale and Jordyn Bugg. Meanwhile, first-time call-ups goalkeeper Angelina Anderson, defender Izzy Rodriguez, and midfielder Sam Meza are still hoping to make their 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
Current Odds:
- USWNT: -1400
- Draw: +900
- Ireland: +2500
Last Meeting
The USWNT delivered a dominant 4-0 win against Ireland in their recent match on Thursday. The goals came from Avery Patterson, Sam Coffey, Alyssa Thompson, and Rose Lavelle, spread evenly across both halves. Coach Hayes praised Avery Patterson`s opening goal and overall effort. This victory extended the USWNT`s perfect historical record against Ireland to 16 wins in 16 meetings, with a remarkable all-time goal difference of 55-1. This winning streak represents the USWNT`s longest against any opponent in their history and their best record against any UEFA nation.
Predicted Lineups
USWNT: Mandy McGlynn; Izzy Rodrigez, 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
Players to Watch
Emma Sears, USWNT: The forward from Racing Louisville FC has been integrated into the national team setup, often coming off the bench to make an impact. Sears is known for her ability to deliver precise crosses and cut inside to create scoring chances, adding an element of unpredictability to the attack.
Tara McKeown, USWNT: Washington Spirit defender Tara McKeown has become a consistent presence in USWNT rosters throughout 2025. Her background as a forward provides an advantage in possession, frequently allowing her to drive into midfield or deliver dangerous long passes. McKeown`s transition to centerback has been effective, highlighting her intelligence, composure, and skill in reading the game.
Storylines to Watch
USWNT: This match offers a final chance for players to make a strong impression on the coaching staff before the upcoming game against Canada and the subsequent international break until October. With the 2027 FIFA Women`s World Cup qualifiers (Concacaf W Championship) just 13 months away, the focus will increasingly narrow on a core group of players and refining tactics. Expect players with fewer caps to maximize their time on the field to complicate future selection decisions for Coach Hayes.
Republic of Ireland: As they prepare for the upcoming UEFA Nations League, the Girls in Green will be motivated to deliver a more competitive performance against the world`s top-ranked team after their recent loss. Head coach Carla Ward is facing limited roster options for this second game against the USWNT, with captain Denise O`Sullivan and Megan Campbell both ruled out due to injury after missing the match in Denver.
Prediction
The outcome will partly depend on Ireland`s available squad depth following Thursday`s difficult match, but the team will undoubtedly be determined to avoid conceding four goals again. However, even if it takes some time to break down Ireland`s defense, Emma Hayes` squad is expected to secure another victory.
Pick: USWNT 3, Ireland 0
Benedict Kingsley