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As will likely be the case throughout the 3 friendlies that comprise the Send-Off Series, the USWNT was forced to deal with a well organized and compact side as it beat Ireland 3-0.
Despite the convincing win, the Irish did manage to frustrate the Americans, who struggled to create quality chances in open play through out the match; two out of the USWNT’s three goals came from set pieces.
That is not to take too much away from the USWNT. They played well and thoroughly deserved the victory. If the next two friendlies against Mexico and the Korea Republic are to be like this, the real competition taking place of the field will not be against the opposition, but between the Americans themselves. USWNT head coach Jillian Ellis is surely still debating the last few spots on her first choice XI, and her players cannot afford to be anonymous in the upcoming matches or put in anything less than a convincing shift.
One of the players whose starting position is not up for debate is Abby Wambach, and she showed why with a two goal display, including the finish to the US’s only goal from open play.
That was her second goal on the day, with her first coming after some nice sustained pressure after a US corner.
The third and final goal was added by defender Julie Johnston, who showed the finishing instinct of a poacher on a 54th minute corner.
Johnston has been in fine form, and that goal will make it harder and harder for the veteran Christie Rampone to reclaim her starting spot come June.
The USWNT faces off against Mexico in the second game of the Send-Off Series on Sunday, May 17th.
