USWNT & Ireland Draw in First Series Match
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. – For the first time in 19 months, the U.S. Women’s National Team hosted a match on their home turf at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in Charlotte, N.C. for game one of the Cathy Bessant International Series against Ireland. With a goal from Ryleigh Heck in her international debut, the No. 14 United Eagles finished with a 1-1 draw against No. 11 Ireland.
After starting off the match with pressure from the Green Army, Beth Yeager got the USA offense going by earning the first penalty corner in the 10th minute.
USA goalkeeper Kealsie Reeb was tested several times by the Ireland offense, making saves in key moments, and the first quarter ended without a score from either side.
Ireland took an early lead in the second frame (17') with a goal from Niamh Gowing. Just four minutes later, Ryleigh Heck scored on a diving slide in front of the goal off a cross from Dani Mendez-Trendler, tying the match at 1-1. It was Heck's first international senior goal.
USA earned three penalty corners in the third quarter, including two stellar efforts from Maddie Zimmer - one with a pass down to Sophia Gladieux who earned the foul and one to Abby Tamer, who found the foot of an Ireland defender. Despite the effort, the chances were without success.
The final frame saw a high press from the United Eagles as they pushed for the go-ahead goal. In the 52nd minute, Ireland earned their first set piece, which was saved by Reeb.
It was a crucial moment when with just 36 seconds left, Ireland was awarded a penalty corner, which went to video review. The call stood, and Ireland mistrapped the ball at the top. The match finished with a 1-1 draw.
Player of the Match: Ryleigh Heck
Key Moments:
- 10' - USA earned first penalty corner of the match, as Beth Yeager is fouled driving up the righthand side. The flick from Yeager sails wide.
- 17' - Ireland's Niamh Gowing scored the first goal of the match, Ireland takes a 1-0 lead.
- 21' - Ryleigh Heck scored a diving slide in front of the goal off a cross from Dani Mendez-Trendler, tying the match at 1-1
- 32' - Maddie Zimmer dribbled up the right alley and sent the ball up to Sophia Gladieux, who earned a penalty corner. The drag flick by Caroline Ramsey was blocked.
- 42’ - A stellar effort from Maddie Zimmer led to a shot from Abby Tamer, which found the foot of an Ireland defender. The ensuing set piece saw a tip from Meredith Sholder go wide.
- 43’ - Lucy Adams earned USA their fifth penalty corner, the drag flick from Caroline Ramsey was saved.
- 55' - Sophia Gladieux was shown a 5-minute yellow card with 5:38 left to play.
- 59' - Ireland was awarded a penalty corner, which went to video review. The call stood but Ireland mistrapped the ball at the top.
Noteworthy:
- USA's Claire Danahy and Ryleigh Heck earned their first international cap
- Ryleigh Heck scored her first international goal
- USA had six penalty corners to Ireland's two
- Kealsie Reeb made five saves in goal for USA
- The last time that USA and Ireland finished in a draw was in May 2017 (2-2)
- It was Meredith Sholder's first time as captain for the United Eagles
Thoughts from Head Coach David Passmore: “While I’m not happy with a draw, it sets us up nicely for a pressure game tomorrow. We started too tentatively and didn’t find enough tempo with the ball. Once we got more control, it was positive but need to improve our counter attacking moments and outcomes.”
Next Up: The USWNT will play Ireland again tomorrow, Friday, June 8, at 10:00 a.m. ET. Fans can watch it live or attend in person. Admission is free but fans must have a ticket for entry.
