Women's International Friendly Report: USA 3 - 0 Republic of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland suffered a 3 - 0 loss to the United States this evening at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, California. The US were fast out of the traps as they kicked off their send off series ahead of the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup.

Megan Rapinoe was honored before the game for reaching 100 caps and was first to release a shot on the Irish goal inside the opening minute but Irish and Raheny United goalkeeper Niamh Reid Burke pulled off a fine save diving to the right handside to concede a corner kick.

The United States continued to press inside the opening half but didn't break the deadlock until the 42nd minute. An unfortuante goal to concede, as there was a mix up inside the Irish box after Meabh De Burca was blasted with a ball to the face. Abby Wambach made it clear why she is the all time International leading goal scorer in both male and female football, as she cooly slotted the ball into the unattended Irish net. Wambach doubled her sides lead moments later, when a well placed cross by Carli Lloyd was headed in at the backpost marking Wambach's 180th goal for her country.  It was the United States leading 2 - 0 at half time.

Ireland introduced UCD Waves midfielder Ciara Grant at half time to replace Jessica Gleeson of Wexford Youths WFC who had an impressive senior debut in center back. Julie Johnston extended the United States lead early in the second half with an easy finish inside the six yard box from a Lauren Holiday corner. It was a tough game for the Irish but solid goalkeeping and defensive display throughout kept the Irish in the game.

Ireland next play Haiti on Thursday as part of their USA tour with the game set to get underway at 1am Irish Time in Lauderhill, Florida. You can follow all the build up here on ExtraTime.ie.

United States: Hope Solo, Ali Krieger (Sydney Leroux, 46), Julie Johnston, Becky Sauerbrunn, Meghan Klingenberg (Kelley O'Hara, 60), Christen Press, Lauren Holiday (Heather O'Reilly, 60), Carli Lloyd (Shannon Boxx, 78), Megan Rapinoe (c) (Lori Chalupny, 46), Amy Rodriguez (Morgan Brian, 46), Abbey Wambach.

Republic of Ireland: Niamh Reid Burke; Aine O'Gorman, Jessica Gleeson (Ciara Grant, 46), Megan Campbell, Meabh De Burca; Julia Ann Russell (Ciara Rossiter, 84), Ruesha Littlejohn, Karen Duggan, Deniese O'Sullivan; Fiona O'Sullivan (Katie McCabe, 72), Stephanie Roche (Nicola Sinnott, 90+1).

Yellow Cards: O'Gorman (18).

ExtraTime.ie Player of the Match: Niamh Reid Burke (Republic of Ireland).