USWNT beat Ireland 2-0 in first of two pre-World Cup tests
The U.S. women's football team's victory was overshadowed by a serious left knee injury suffered by star Mallory Swanson, who had to be rushed to hospital at half-time.
Football
The USWNT defeated Ireland 2-0 in Austin, Texas, on Saturday (8 April) in one of their final tests ahead of this year's FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Emily Fox and Lindsey Horan scored for the hosts who are preparing to bid for a third consecutive World Cup success.
It was a stern examination for Vlatko Andonovski’s side as Ireland produced the game's first significant chance from a corner in the 19th minute. Louise Quinn found space at the back post and headed goalwards only for Alex Morgan to block the shot with her knee.
Minutes later, the Irish were again on the front foot as they unleashed a flurry of shots on the U.S. goal, only to be denied by an alert and resolute American backline.
Mallory Swanson suffered a head injury after the U.S.’ counter-attack at the end of that sequence but, following an extended medical assessment, was able to continue to play.
The breakthrough came in the 37th minute from an unexpected source as right-back Fox scored her first goal for her nation. The defender, who plays her club football for North Carolina Courage, struck a low and accurate shot just over 20 metres from goal into the bottom corner.
Unfortunately, later in the half, Swanson suffered yet another injury, this time to her left knee, and had to be stretchered off the pitch and taken to hospital. She was replaced by Trinity Rodman.
Rodman was on the end of a couple of chances early in the second half, but was unable to convert them.
On an encouraging note for the USWNT, Julie Ertz returned to the pitch for the first time since the Olympic Football Tournament bronze medal match on 5 August 2021.
Rose Lavelle nearly doubled the U.S.’ lead, but she was twice denied by Irish keeper Courtney Brosnan and her backline.
However, just over 10 minutes from time, the home side settled matters as Horan scored from the penalty spot after having her shirt pulled in the area by Diane Caldwell.
The USWNT will face Vietnam, Netherlands and Portugal in Group E at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, which takes place from 20 July to 20 August 2023.
Ireland are in a tough-looking Group B with hosts Australia, Canada and Nigeria.
The two sides will meet again in three days on 11 April at CITYPARK in St. Louis, Missouri.
USWNT v Ireland - Schedule and how to watch
The U.S. will face Ireland in one more friendly ahead of the Women's World Cup. Here is the schedule, plus the livestream and TV tune-in time below. Time listed is Central U.S. time - with the game set for St. Louis, Missouri.
USWNT v Ireland
11 April - 1830 CT (2330 GMT)
Livestream and TV tune-in times
Coverage can be found on HBO, Universo and Peacock.