Friendlies Preview: USWNT vs Ireland
Date: June 26 & 29, 2025
Venues: Commerce City, CO & Cincinnati, OH
Overview
The US Women’s National Team host Ireland in a two-match friendly series as part of their summer preparations.
Squad & Selection
- Coach Emma Hayes has rested Europe-based stars and called up 25 players, prioritizing domestic talent :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
- Notable inclusions: Rose Lavelle returns post-injury, Claire Hutton makes her fourth senior camp appearance, six uncapped players among the NWSL standouts :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
Objectives & Tactics
“It’s all about expanding the player pool and testing depth ahead of World Cup qualifiers.”
The emphasis will be on fitness, tactical resilience, and integrating emerging talent.
Predicted Lineups
- Goalkeeper: rotating domestic talent for experience.
- Defence: stabilized by Naomi Girma’s return.
- Midfield: anchored by Lavelle, supported by Bugg, Reale, Rodriguez.
- Attack: experimenting with new forward pairings from NWSL.
Key Matchups & Betting Angles
- Result: USWNT win – superior quality and home advantage.
- Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Ireland could test rotation with quick transitions.
- Player Prop: Rose Lavelle anytime scorer or assist provider.
Model Forecast
Expected score: USWNT 3–1 Ireland — US goal power balanced by Ireland’s counterattacks.
Summary Table
| Category | Insight |
|---|---|
| Squad | Blend of experience and NWSL newcomers |
| Focus | Fitness, tactics, depth building |
| Predicted Score | 3–1 in favour of US |
| Betting Edge | BTTS + US win, Lavelle involvement |