The U.S. women’s national team is back in action against Ireland on Sunday as they try to extend their win streak under Emma Hayes. The Stars and Stripes got off to a strong start in their three-game summer series, coming off a dominating 4-0 win over the Girls in Green on Thursday. Hayes named a 25-player roster for the trio of friendlies, and after Thursday’s match indicated that there would be significant rotations throughout the games.
Rose Lavelle marked her return to the team with a statement performance with her 25th goal and 25th assist for the national team against Ireland. Lavelle is back with the team for the first time following ankle surgery. Her last appearance for the squad was in December 2024. With the coaching staff keeping an eye on Lavelle’s minutes and an upcoming match against Concacaf rivals Canada on July 2, the veteran midfielder could get a brief rest.
In true Hayes fashion, the head coach gave three additional players their first national team caps, with goalkeeper Claudia Dickey and defenders Lilly Reale and Jordyn Bugg. First-time call-ups goalkeeper Angelina Anderson, defender Izzy Rodriguez, and midfielder Sam Meza remain on the hunt for their debuts.
Here are storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
How to watch and odds
- Date: Sunday, June 29 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
- Location: TQL Stadium — Cincinnati, Ohio
- TV: TNT | Live stream: Max
- Odds: USWNT -1400; Draw +900; Ireland +2500
Last meeting
The USWNT delivered a blowout win against Ireland on Thursday with goals scored by Avery Patterson, Sam Coffey, Alyssa Thompson, and Lavelle. The goals were scored evenly over two halves, and Hayes was complimentary of Patterson’s opening goal and efforts, though felt she “didn’t get tested enough defensively … but she’s a great learner and a great listener.”
The recent win brings the USWNT’s all-time record against Ireland to 16 consecutive victories. They’ve outscored the Girls in Green 55-1 all-time, and the winning streak is their best against any opponent in program history and the longest against any UEFA competition.
Predicted lineups
USWNT: Mandy McGlynn; Izzy Rodrigez, Emily Sams, Tara McKeown, Gisele Thompson; Claire Hutton, Sam Meza, Olivia Moultrie; Yazmeen Ryan, Ally Sentnor, Emma Sears
Ireland: Courtney Bronsan; Jessie Stapleton, Anna Patten, Caitlin Hayes, Isibeal Atkinson; Ruesha Littlejohn, Megan Connolly, Emily Murphy, Kyra Carusa, Lucy Quinn, Amber Barrett
Player to watch
Emma Sears, USWNT: The Racing Louisville FC forward is in the mix with the national team but has seen more time as an impact player off the bench than starts at this point, but she often makes the most of her time whenever she gets it. Her ability to deliver precise crosses and cut inside for shots adds unpredictability to the attack.
Tara McKeown, USWNT: The Washington Spirit defender has become a staple among USWNT rosters in 2025. Her background as a forward gives her an extra edge in possession, often driving into midfield or picking out dangerous long balls. McKeown’s transition to centerback has been fairly seamless, showcasing her intelligence, composure, and ability to read the game.
Storylines to watch
USWNT: It’s a final opportunity for players to leave a mark on the coaching staff before a final match on the horizon against Canada. Following the summer trio of matches, there will be no games will the next international window in October. Leaving just 13 months till the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers in the Concacaf W Championship, moving forward, it’ll be a narrower pool of players, and ironing out tactics. Look for less-capped players to give it their all in their final matches to make coaching decisions difficult for Hayes in the future.
Republic of Ireland: With UEFA Nations League coming up, the Girls in Green will want to close out with a better showing against the world’s top-ranked team. Head coach Carla Ward has more limited options than anticipated heading into the second game against the USWNT. Captain Denise O’Sullivan and Megan Campbell missed out on the match in Denver and have already been ruled out for the sequel in Cincinnati.
Prediction
A lot will depend on who is available for Ireland after Thursday’s tough loss, but the group will be motivated not to concede four goals against the USWNT again. Still, even if it takes an opening 30 minutes, Emma Hayes’ squad is going to get the win. Pick: USWNT 3, Ireland 0
Get your footy fix with CBS Sports Golazo Network and more
☀️ Morning Footy (Weekdays 8-10 a.m.): Join Golazo Network as it help fans get their day started on the right foot on the network’s flagship morning show with highlights, interviews and the biggest soccer storylines. Morning Footy is also available in podcast form, so you’ll never have to miss an episode.
3️⃣ Attacking Third (Tuesday, Thursday): The leading women’s soccer podcast and social brand is now a live studio show. The NWSL season is back and our coverage of the women’s game is stronger than ever. Our analysts will be breaking down the USWNT, NWSL and European domestic season all year long. And don’t miss Wednesday live streams on YouTube at 11 a.m. ET.
⚽ Call it What You Want (Tuesday and Thursday): A weekly podcast where Jimmy Conrad, Charlie Davies and Tony Meola cover all things USMNT and the state of the beautiful game in the United States. You can catch the show streaming live on YouTube every Monday at 1 p.m. ET and Thursday at 6 p.m. ET.
🥅 Scoreline (Daily): Scoreline is the newest place for fans to catch up on all the biggest news and results impacting global football, match highlights from the top soccer competitions and all the can’t-miss goals from the day’s action, starting Thursday and airing seven days a week.
📺 How to watch: CBS Sports Golazo Network is a free 24/7 channel exclusively dedicated to offering unparalleled coverage of all the top soccer competitions worldwide. You can stream for free on the CBS Sports app, Pluto TV and Paramount+.
