USA women’s national team took on an Irish Under 21 development squad in a six game 10 minutes per match mini series of matches on Saturday at the National Stadium in Belfield.
The first game was a tightly fought 0-0 draw. The second was a similarly close affair which also ended scoreless.
Ireland had been awarded two penalty corners in the first few games, neither of which they converted.
In Game 3 the USA took an early lead following a penalty corner. And this game ended in a 1-0 win for the visitors.
With a few changes in personnel from the first few matches younger more inexperienced players were given a chance to perform. The USA clicked into over drive in the remaining games of the day.
Game 4 was also won by the visitors with a goal from open play. Another 1-0 victory which meant the USA were 2-0 ahead in the series going into the final two games.
In Game 5, two goals from open play were enough to secure a series win for the Americans. The game finished 2-0 and meant with three wins the US could not be caught,
And in game 6, the final game, saw Ireland create their best goal chance from open play early which unfortunately did not go in. Ireland managed to force a penalty corner near the end of game 6. The goalkeeper saved the penalty corner and the umpire awarded a free hit to the USA.
IRELAND UNDER 21 DEVELOPMENT WNT: Goalkeepers:Aoife Glennon, Holly Micklem
Defenders: Lucy Craig, Lucy Crowe, Ellen Curran (c) Erin Getty, Lucy Mackay, Katie-Jane Marshall, Emma Paul, Ellen Reid
Midfielders: Christina Hamill, Emily Kealy, Sarah Kirgin, Caoimhe Perdue, Lisa McCarthy, Lisa Mulcahy
Forwards: Rachel Kelly, Lily Lloyd, Síofra O’Brien, Yasmin Pratt, Sarah Torrans
USA WOMEN’S NATIONAL TEAM SQUAD : Goalkeepers: Kelsey Bing, Jenny Rizzo
Defenders: Fusine Govaert, Ally Hammel, Ashley Hoffman (c), Kelly Lepage, Cassie Sumfest, Jillian Wolgemuth, Elizabeth Yeager
Midfielders: Sanne Carls, Leah Crouse, Brook De Verdine (VC), Emma De Verdine, Amanda Golini (c), Karlie Kisha, Meredith Sholder, Maggie Zimmer
Forwards: Danielle Grega, Megan Rodgers, Hope Rose, Ashley Sessa, Abigail Tamer
The Irish Senior Women take on the USA Senior Women on Monday at 17.30 and Tuesday at 14.30. Don’t forget to get your tickets.
