3 things we learned from another wonderful USWNT win over Ireland | OneFootball

On a somewhat warm and humid Sunday, the United States women’s national team faced Ireland for the second time this international window. The Stars and Stripes already beat the opposition 4-0 in the first match and aimed to put on another show for the fans. And, they did, for they again won 4-0.

The USWNT dominated Ireland with a completely changed starting lineup.  It was slightly surprising that Emma Hayes did not start any of the stars from Thursday’s match, and it is not often all 11 are changed out.  In addition, two more players made their debuts: Sam Meza and Izzy Rodriguez.

Still, the offensive-minded USWNT once again put four past Ireland.  So, here are three things we learned from the big win.

Lynn Biyendolo is finally the captain

United States v Ireland - International Friendly | Brad Smith/ISI Photos/USSF/GettyImages

Lynn Biyendolo has not always been called up throughout her national team career.  However, as the years went by, her time call-ups and playing time increased, and she has developed into a fantastic veteran for the USWNT.

For years, she has shown her leadership abilities and has worn the captain’s armband here and there in the NWSL.  Now, finally, for the first time, she wore the armband for the Stars and Stripes.  She led the team on the pitch against Ireland and scored an incredible goal, too.

This is meaningful for Biyendolo, for she did not take a traditional route with the national team as a highly touted young prospect.  Rather, she got better over time and worked hard to earn her call-ups.  She has also faced multiple injuries throughout the years and often had to work her way back to full fitness.  As such, it has not been an easy road, but her captaining the USWNT, even if it is for just one game, proves all of her hard work has led to this moment.

First goals for some of the USWNT

There were multiple firsts during Sunday’s game.  Of course, there were the two debuts.  But, there were also a few first-time scorers for the USWNT.

Rodriguez, as mentioned, earned her first senior cap and scored in her debut.  The Kansas City Current player pounced on a rebound after Emma Sears’ initial shot was saved.  With power and pace, and one touch, Rodriguez doubled the lead for the Stars and Stripes.

The third goal was then scored by another first-time scorer, Yazmeen Ryan.  The forward made her national team debut last year but had yet to find the back of the net.  That changed in the second half against Ireland, for she received a perfect pass from Olivia Moultrie.  With one touch, Ryan sent the ball between Ireland’s goalkeeper, Courtney Brosnan, and the post.  It took some time, but she finally scored for the red, white, and blue.

TQL Stadium is awesome

Everyone knows that some locations will do better when it comes to the national teams.  While the USWNT often pulls good crowds, there is no question that Cincinnati continues to arrive at every match at TQL Stadium.

The fans tend to pack the stands and are extremely loud throughout the USWNT games.  They cheer for everyone but especially show love for their locals.  For example, Rose Lavelle, who made a brief appearance as a substitute, received cheers while she was warming up. The midfielder, despite playing at home, smartly only played for a short time.