This will be the 12th time that the two sides have met with the USA holding a 100 per cent record. The previous game between the two sides was last May in San Jose when the Americans won 3-0.
While the USA have been in camp in Los Angeles since January 5 preparing for the game, the Irish squad only came together this week and are due to have only their third training session of the week later today at the match venue having trained at the University of San Diego on Wednesday and Thursday.
Unlike the previous match last May, when she had to plan without many of her experienced players due to club commitments, Ireland manager Sue Ronan has been able to name a much stronger squad this time, with the most notable absentee being Chelsea’s Niamh Fahey. The squad includes emerging players like Megan Connolly, Grace Wright and Savannah McCarthy who are the uncapped players in the 22 strong squad and Jessica Gleeson, Ciara Rossiter and Clare Shine who have one cap each.
“While it has been easier to secure the release of players this time around, the problem at this time of the year is that players who are based outside Ireland are just starting pre-season and the weather we have had at home this winter means that many of the home-based players haven’t played a game since November,” said Ronan.
“However, it is still a marvellous opportunity for the players to test themselves against the very best and they are really excited at the prospect of taking on the world champions. Over 20,000 tickets have been sold already for the game and it is live on television across America as well Ireland so it’s a great opportunity for our girls.”
Ireland captain Emma Byrne is set to make her 122th appearance and, having missed last May’s game, is looking forward to opportunity to face an America side that is expected to feature the newly crowned FIFA World Player of the Year Carli Lloyd.
“As a player you always want to test yourself against the best and even though it’s probably going to be a busy night for me I am really looking forward to it,” said Byrne. “They are a great team and I was very impressed with them at the World Cup last summer. It will be good for our young players to see up close where the bar has been set and it is the type of experience that can only help us individually and as a team.”
Ireland’s Record v USA: P11 W0 D0 L11 F1 A40
World Rankings: Ireland 32, USA 1
Women’s National Team Squad (v USA)
Goalkeepers: Emma Byrne (Arsenal), Niamh Reid Burke (Shelbourne)
Defenders: Meabh De Burca (Galway), Megan Campbell (Unattached), Jessica Gleeson (Wexford Youths), Savannah McCarthy (Galway), Aine O’Gorman (UCD Waves), Sophie Perry (Brighton & Hove Albion), Louise Quinn (Eskilstuna United), Ciara Rossiter (Wexford Youths).
Midfielders: Diane Caldwell (Koln), Karen Duggan (UCD Waves), Siobhan Killeen (Shelbourne), Ruesha Littlejohn (Glasgow City), Katie McCabe (Arsenal), Denise O’Sullivan (Glasgow City), Julie Ann Russell (UCD Waves).
Forwards: Megan Connolly (Florida State University), Fiona O’Sullivan (Unattached), Stephanie Roche (Sunderland), Clare Shine (Glasgow City).