The U.S. Women`s National Team (USWNT) is scheduled for another match against Ireland this Sunday as they continue their series under coach Emma Hayes. The team started their three-game summer schedule strongly, achieving a decisive 4-0 victory over the Girls in Green in their previous meeting on Thursday. Hayes selected a 25-player squad for these friendlies and hinted after the first match that significant player rotation would occur across the games.
Rose Lavelle made a notable return, contributing her 25th career goal and 25th assist for the national team against Ireland. This appearance marked Lavelle`s first time back with the squad since undergoing ankle surgery; her last match before this series was in December 2024. With the coaching staff carefully managing Lavelle`s playing time and another match against Concacaf rivals Canada coming up on July 2, the experienced midfielder may be given a short rest.
Following her practice of introducing new talent, Coach Hayes also awarded three more players their initial national team caps: goalkeeper Claudia Dickey and defenders Lilly Reale and Jordyn Bugg. Other players called up for the first time – goalkeeper Angelina Anderson, defender Izzy Rodriguez, and midfielder Sam Meza – are still awaiting their national team debuts.
Here is key information regarding the match, including viewing details and odds:
How to Watch and Odds
- Date: Sunday, June 29
- Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: TQL Stadium — Cincinnati, Ohio
- TV: TNT
- Live stream: Max
- Odds: USWNT -1400; Draw +900; Ireland +2500
Last Meeting Summary
The USWNT secured a convincing win against Ireland on Thursday, with goals scored by Avery Patterson, Sam Coffey, Alyssa Thompson, and Rose Lavelle. The goals were evenly distributed across both halves. Coach Hayes commented favorably on Patterson`s opening goal and overall effort, although she noted Patterson “didn`t get tested enough defensively … but she`s a great learner and a great listener.”
This recent victory extends the USWNT`s perfect record against Ireland to 16 consecutive wins. Historically, they have significantly outscored Ireland 55-1. This winning streak is the longest against any opponent in the USWNT`s history and their best record against any UEFA team.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Based on recent play and likely rotations:
USWNT: Mandy McGlynn; Izzy Rodriguez, Emily Sams, Tara McKeown, Gisele Thompson; Claire Hutton, Sam Meza, Olivia Moultrie; Yazmeen Ryan, Ally Sentnor, Emma Sears
Ireland: Courtney Brosnan; Jessie Stapleton, Anna Patten, Caitlin Hayes, Isibeal Atkinson; Ruesha Littlejohn, Megan Connolly, Emily Murphy, Kyra Carusa, Lucy Quinn, Amber Barrett
Players to Watch
Emma Sears, USWNT: The forward from Racing Louisville FC is part of the national team setup, often featuring as a substitute rather than a starter. However, she consistently maximizes her playing time. Her ability to deliver precise crosses and cut inside for shots adds an element of unpredictability to the attack.
Tara McKeown, USWNT: The defender from Washington Spirit has become a regular presence on USWNT rosters in 2025. Her background as a forward enhances her possession skills, often allowing her to drive into the midfield or deliver dangerous long passes. McKeown`s shift to centerback has been smooth, demonstrating her tactical intelligence, composure, and strong reading of the game.
Storylines to Follow
USWNT: This match provides one of the final opportunities for players to impress the coaching staff ahead of the significant game against Canada. Following this series of summer matches, there will be no further international games until the next window in October. With just 13 months remaining until the 2027 FIFA Women`s World Cup qualifiers in the Concacaf W Championship, the focus will shift towards a more refined pool of players and solidifying tactics. Expect players with fewer caps to give their utmost effort in these remaining games to make future selection decisions challenging for Coach Hayes.
Republic of Ireland: With the UEFA Nations League on the horizon, the Girls in Green will be eager to conclude this series with a stronger performance against the world`s top-ranked team. Coach Carla Ward faces more limited options than initially expected for this second match against the USWNT. Captain Denise O`Sullivan and Megan Campbell, who missed the first game in Denver, have already been ruled out for the return match in Cincinnati.
Match Prediction
The outcome will partly depend on which players are available for Ireland after their challenging loss on Thursday. However, the Irish team will undoubtedly be motivated to avoid conceding four goals again. Despite their determination, Emma Hayes` squad is expected to secure another victory, even if it takes some time to break down Ireland`s defense.
Prediction: USWNT 3, Ireland 0
More Soccer Content
Stay updated on soccer news and analysis:
☀️ Morning Footy (Weekdays 8-10 a.m.): Start your day right with the network`s flagship morning show, featuring highlights, interviews, and the biggest soccer stories. Morning Footy is also available in podcast form.
3️⃣ Attacking Third (Tuesday, Thursday): The leading women`s soccer podcast and social brand now has a live studio show. Coverage of the women`s game, including USWNT, NWSL, and European domestic seasons, is provided by expert analysts. Live streams are also available on YouTube.
⚽ Call it What You Want (Tuesday and Thursday): A weekly podcast with Jimmy Conrad, Charlie Davies, and Tony Meola, covering all things USMNT and the state of soccer in the United States. You can catch the show streaming live on YouTube.
🥅 Scoreline (Daily): Catch up on major global football news and results, match highlights from top competitions, and unmissable goals from the day`s action, airing seven days a week.
📺 How to watch these shows: CBS Sports Golazo Network is a free 24/7 channel offering comprehensive coverage of global soccer. You can stream for free on the CBS Sports app, Pluto TV, and Paramount+.
