USWNT Takes Second Game in Series Against Ireland
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. – On a warm Sunday morning at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in Charlotte, N.C., the No. 14 U.S. Women’s National Team finished out the first Cathy Bessant International Series with a 4-0 win over No. 11 Ireland. Four different athletes scored to lead the United Eagles to victory.
The scoring started early for USA, who took a 1-0 lead in the third minute. A leading pass up from Abby Tamer was picked up by Katie Dixon, who slammed the ball to the left corner.
Several shots from Ireland in quick succession were all saved by USA goalkeeper Jenny Rizzo, as the home team defense outlasted some Ireland pressure. As the first quarter winded down, a ball sent in by Maddie Zimmer was touched by Abby Tamer then hit out of the air by Ryleigh Heck for USA's second goal, making it 2-0.
USA found their first penalty corner conversion of the weekend when Emma DeBerdine knocked one out of the air as well, giving USA a 3-0 lead right before halftime.
A weather delay at halftime pushed back the start of the third quarter. The time away gave Ireland new life, as the Green Army pushed up on attack to start the frame, forcing Jenny Rizzo to make several saves.
With just under a minute left in the quarter, Ireland won a second set piece opportunity. Rizzo stepped up and made her fourth save of the frame.
In the final minute, Abby Tamer got USA's fourth and final goal off a cross from Maddie Zimmer.
With less than 30 seconds left Ireland countered and won a penalty corner, in which a goal was scored. However, upon video review it was called a retake, and the USA penalty corner defensive unit kept a clean sheet, winning the match 4-0 against Ireland.
Player of the Match: Jenny Rizzo
Key Moments:
3' | A leading pass up the field from Abby Tamer was picked up Katie Dixon, who slammed the ball to the left corner for USA's first goal.
10' | USA earned their first penalty corner, which was blocked by Ireland defense.
11' | Abby Tamer earned a second set piece for USA, but the drag flick from Caroline Ramsey was deflected by the Ireland post player.
12' | A ball sent in by Maddie Zimmer was touched by Abby Tamer then hit out of the air by Ryleigh Heck for USA's second goal.
17' | Ireland earned their first penalty corner chance, but the shot was high and called coming out.
22' | Beth Yeager earned USA's second penalty corner, her ensuing flick was saved by the goalkeeper.
29' | USA found their first penalty corner conversion of the weekend when Emma DeBerdine knocked one out of the air, giving USA a 3-0 lead.
HALFTIME: Weather delayed the start of the second half.
45' | Ireland won a second penalty corner, and Jenny Rizzo made her fourth save of the quarter.
55' | Ryleigh Heck found the foot of an Ireland defender for a penalty corner, and the subsequent corner shot from Reese D'Ariano was too high.
59' | Caroline Ramsey sent a nice aerial up to Abby Tamer who earned the set piece for United Eagles. Tamer scored off an assist from Maddie Zimmer to give USA a 4-0 lead.
59' | Ireland earned a penalty corner and scored, but upon video review the corner was retaken. USA's defense kept Ireland off the board.
Noteworthy:
- USA had seven penalty corners to Ireland's four
- Jenny Rizzo made 11 saves in goal for USA
- Katie Dixon and Ryleigh Heck each scored their second international senior goal
- It was Emma DeBerdine's first time as captain for the United Eagles
- The last time the USWNT defeated Ireland was May 26, 2017 (2-0)
Next Up: The USWNT will host New Zealand for another two-game series in Charlotte, N.C., starting Saturday, July 5 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.
