Ireland Defeats USMNT in Second Game of 4-Nations Tournament

GLASGOW, Scotland – In their second game of the 4-Nations Tournament taking place at the Uddingston Cricket and Hockey Club in Glasgow, Scotland, the No. 22 U.S. Men’s National Team went up against No. 14 Ireland. A tough battle, USA trailed at the half and saw the Green Machine capitalize on two more chances to defeat the red, white and blue, 3-0.

The match opened with shared possession as both sides looked to generate in the attacking end. USA had an early close chance when Jack Heldens (Hamburg, Germany) sent a ball into a running Vincent Heller (Stuttgart, Germany) who’s deflection was cleared away by Ireland goalkeeper Mark Ingram. Ireland entered the circle twice but on the first one Aki Kaeppeler (New York City, N.Y.) was in good position to step and on the second, goalkeeper Jonathan Klages (Berlin, Germany) kicked away the baseline cross. At the other end, Mohan Gandhi (Great Britain) swept a through ball that Alberto Montilla (Allen, Texas) one time backhanded, but it was blocked by an oncoming Ingram. Ireland earned a penalty corner in the 11th minute and Luke Madeley converted on a drag to give them a 1-0 lead. USA fended off another Ireland set piece through the brave running of Kei Kaeppeler (Stuttgart, Germany) to close out the quarter.

In the second frame, USA upped their pressure and maintained control in the first few minutes. Play was static for a period before Kai Kokolakis (Wiesbaden, Germany) earned USA a penalty corner after taking a free hit quickly. On the chance, A. Kaeppeler’s drag was saved by Ingram as the following shot by K. Kaeppeler went wide over the baseline. Toward the end of the quarter, Ireland earned a series of penalty corners. Klages made the save on the first attempt as the second went wide.

USA started the third quarter with a passing sequence that got them into their attacking circle. Unable to find an outcome, they remained on the front foot and produced a good look a few minutes later when Montilla tipped a ball right in front of Ireland goalkeeper Jamie Carr that he defended away. The Green Machine followed up with their own close chance when a midfield turnover led to a quick counter, but the shot was deflected over the goal. Ireland generated some more attack, but USA’s defense remained strong to absorb the chances. In the 44th minute, Ireland capitalized on a second attempt penalty corner when Madeley sent his drag into the net to make it 2-0.

Ireland came out quick in the final frame and immediately tested Klages to make a save. The Green Machine added another one after punishing a USA turnover that created a 3v3 situation. On the play, Conor Empey put it in off the post to make it 3-0. USA had possession up field but struggled to generate a positive circle entry. Midway through the period, Ireland was issued a penalty stroke after a USA defender came in on the wrong side, but Madeley’s attempt was blocked off the stick of a diving Klages. Ireland produced another five shots on goal, with one coming in the final seconds but to no avail.

This contest marked a career milestone for Wyatt Katz (Santa Rosa Valley, Calif.) who played in his first international cap for Team USA.

The USMNT has tomorrow off before returning on Saturday, July 2 to take on No. 15 Wales at 1:00 p.m. ET. For more information on the 4-Nations Tournament, visit the event page.

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