The Ireland Women’s National Team take on the United States on Saturday, April 8 in Austin, Texas as part of their preparations for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.Ireland have played the USA more than any other opponent, with 13 different meetings stretching back to 1999. Now this will be the first of two games in the second international window of the year as they will meet again in St. Louis on Tuesday, April 11.
Algeciras , Spain - 22 February 2023; Republic of Ireland manager Vera Pauw before the international friendly match between China PR and Republic of Ireland at Estadio Nuevo Mirador in Algeciras, Spain. (Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)Match DetailsInternational Friendly USA v Republic of Ireland
When is it on?Saturday, April 8
What time is it on?KO 19:30 (Irish Time) / 13:30 (CT), 14:30 (ET)Q2 Stadium, Austin, Texas
What TV Station can I watch it?LIVE on RTÉ2Match OfficialsReferee: Carly Shaw MacLaren (CAN)Assistant Referee: Melissa Snedden (CAN)Assistant Referee: Gabrielle Lemieux (CAN)Fourth Official: Jasmine Peralta (USA)
Captain 👊
Denise O’Sullivan will lead the team out against USA tomorrow on her 100th cap 🇮🇪 #COYGIG pic.twitter.com/5FiAeewdt2— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) April 7, 2023
Team NewsAll players are available for selection, including the uncapped quartet of Sophie Whitehouse, Tara O’Hanlon, Sinead Farrelly and Alannah McEvoy.Manager Quotes – Vera Pauw“We are looking forward to this game against the World No 1 as it presents us with a fantastic opportunity to test ourselves against a quality opponent who will put us under the type of pressure that we will experience at the World Cup.“We know how good the USA are with so many world class players and an excellent coach, but we will focus on what we can take from these two games – starting on Saturday in Austin. It is a challenge that we are ready to embrace, even if we remain realistic about how difficult it will be.“These two games are part of our preparations for the World Cup and we will feel that playing against strong opposition will ultimately benefit us as we need to keep improving and be ready for what is to come.”Things you should know
- Ireland are currently on a record unbeaten run of nine games – recording eight clean sheets in the process
- This will be the 14th meeting between United States and Ireland, with the last game taking place on August 4, 2019 in California
- Denise O’Sullivan will lead the team out as captain on what will be her 100th senior appearance – bringing her into the Centurion Club alongside Emma Byrne, Áine O’Gorman, Niamh Fahey, Ciara Grant and Louise Quinn
- Two players in the Ireland squad made their senior debuts against USA – Ciara Grant on November 28, 2012 in Portland, Oregon and Megan Connolly on January 23, 2016 in San Diego
- Four players in the Ireland squad were born in the United States (Courtney Brosnan, Sinead Farrelly, Kyra Carusa, Marissa Sheva), while Sophie Whitehouse has US citizenship
Ireland WNT SquadGoalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton), Grace Moloney (Reading), Megan Walsh (Brighton & Hove Albion), Sophie Whitehouse (Lewes)
Defenders: Harriet Scott (Birmingham City), Jessie Stapleton (Shelbourne), Louise Quinn (Birmingham City), Aoife Mannion (Manchester United), Diane Caldwell (Reading), Claire O’Riordan (Celtic), Hayley Nolan (London City Lionesses), Tara O’Hanlon (Peamount United), Áine O’Gorman (Shamrock Rovers)
Midfielders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O’Sullivan (North Carolina Courage), Megan Connolly (Brighton & Hove Albion), Jamie Finn (Birmingham City), Ruesha Littlejohn (Aston Villa), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Ciara Grant (Hearts), Roma McLaughlin (Fortuna Hjorring), Sinead Farrelly (NJ/NY Gotham)
Forwards: Heather Payne (Florida State University), Abbie Larkin (Shamrock Rovers), Amber Barrett (Potsdam Turbine), Kyra Carusa (London City Lionesses), Marissa Sheva (Washington Spirit), Alannah McEvoy (Shamrock Rovers)
