By OkayGoal 
New game, same result. The United States took on Ireland in the second friendly in Cincinnati. The USWNT looked dominant with a 4-0 win, the same score as the first friendly. Ireland was without their superstar Katie McCabe, and it showed across the board. The Irish didn’t record a single shot on target and only mustered 27% possession for the entire game. Emma Hayes experimented with the lineup once again, and it didn’t matter who was in the lineup; the whole group of 25 players has looked amazing over the last two games. Let’s recap the best moments as well as look ahead to the Canada game.
USWNT vs. Ireland Game 2 Recap
Lynn Biyendolo not only got the chance to start the game, but she also received the captain’s armband for the first time. Her day would only get better just 11 minutes into the match. Emma Sears broke down the right wing into open space and played a perfect chipped cross into Biyendolo. The star striker hit it on the volley and found the back of the net to make it 1-0.
Lynn Biyendolo’s FIRST game with the captain’s armband and she scores 🥹pic.twitter.com/SK0sXABQ3T
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) June 29, 2025
For the rest of the half, the USWNT controlled the tempo and pace, passing as freely as they wanted. Izzy Rodriguez, one of the debutants, would go on to score in her debut for the senior team with a tap-in goal off a rebound to make it 2-0. Sam Meza, the former North Carolina Tar Heel, also received her first cap for the national team.
In the second half, it was once again smooth sailing; Ireland weren’t able to challenge the USWNT at all. In the 66th minute, the USWNT made it 3-0 thanks to some great work in the midfield from Sam Coffey. After Coffey did all the dirty work, Yazmeen Ryan sent the ball out wide to Emma Sears. Sears found Olivia Moultrie in space, who calmly found Ryan for the nice finish. At this point, the game was over. With the game taking place in Cincinnati, Rose Lavelle’s hometown, the crowd begged Emma Hayes for her to be brought on.
Cincinnati LOVES Rose as much as Rose LOVES Cincinnati! TQL Stadium chanting “we want Rose” until Emma Hayes put Rose Lavelle in is iconic behavior 👏🔊
🎥 @mikasa22 pic.twitter.com/OYkeb11rdM
— The Women’s Game (@WomensGameMIB) June 29, 2025
This was a remarkable moment because players are rarely called onto the pitch in this manner. It goes to show just how big a star Rose Lavelle is, especially in her hometown. After Rose came onto the pitch, the United States would score its fourth and final goal through Alyssa Thompson. Claire Hutton played in a beautiful chipped through ball to put Thompson in, and Thompson did well to finish.
Also we promise we didn’t forget Alyssa Thompson’s goal in the 86th minute!!#USWNT x @VW pic.twitter.com/GaQ9OmyKRH
— U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) June 29, 2025
Once again, it couldn’t have gone better for the USWNT over these two games against Ireland. But they now face a much tougher test next as they prepare for Canada.
USWNT vs. Canada: Wednesday, July 2 at 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT, TNT, TruTV, Universo
The Canadians are on a good run of form, having won their last three games after a shocking loss to Argentina back in April. Haiti and Costa Rica were no match for Canada, losing 3-1, 4-1, and 4-1, respectively. Canada is in a similar position to the USWNT in terms of trying to determine who will be part of this next generation.
Christine Sinclair is retired. Desiree Scott and Adrianna Leon cannot play for Canada forever. One up-and-coming star who could be important for Canada is Simi Awujo. Awujo played well for Manchester United at the World Sevens tournament and was called into Canada’s camp. Awujo represents the next generation of Canadians coming through who could help keep Canada among the world’s best.
The United States might not be bringing its A-team into this matchup with Canada. Nonetheless, they have more than enough firepower to beat them. One thing is certain: the USWNT will not have nearly as much time or space to operate on the ball as they did against Ireland. Expect the game to be as physical as possible and an excellent test for all the young USWNT players, who will have the chance to play against a rival. Expect the USWNT lineup to resemble the one from the first friendly against Ireland, which is likely the best possible lineup. Considering this is the type of game where the USWNT will actually be challenged, it’ll be worth tuning in to see how they fare against a solid team like Canada.
Featured image via Getty Images
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