The U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) is gearing up for an exciting series of matches in this international window, with their first game set against the Republic of Ireland.
Thursday’s matchup will take place in Commerce City, Colorado, at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park at 9 p.m. ET, broadcast live on TBS and truTV.
Following the clash with Ireland, the USWNT will compete again in Cincinnati, Ohio, on June 29, before facing Canada in a highly anticipated Allstate Continental Clásico in Washington, D.C., on July 2.
As fans eagerly await the opening match, here are five key insights to know ahead of the USA vs. Ireland encounter.
**Lavelle Returns to the USWNT**
One of the most notable headlines leading up to the game is the return of midfielder Rose Lavelle to the USWNT for the first time in 2025.
The World Cup champion last graced the field in a U.S. jersey during the 2024 finale against the Netherlands before sustaining an ankle injury that required surgery early this year.
“I missed it a lot. It feels really great to be back with the girls,” Lavelle expressed.
With her 110 appearances, Lavelle stands as the most capped player in the current roster, followed closely by Emily Sonnett, who has 108 caps.
Lavelle’s experience comes in handy, especially as her position group includes four players with fewer than 10 caps.
“I’ve been in that position before, where I was the newer and inexperienced player. I aim to help usher in younger players now,” she added.
**Roster Adjustments**
In a strategic move, head coach Emma Hayes has made several roster changes for the upcoming friendlies against Ireland and the match against Canada.
The current roster sees nine players being swapped out from the early June international window, allowing players from European clubs a break.
Notably, Naomi Girma remains since she played just five matches in the Women’s Super League from August to May, while NWSL players are showcasing their full form, with their season spanning from March to November.
Lindsey Heaps, a player competing in France’s top division, may not take the field but will still engage with fans.
The World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist will be available at U.S. Soccer’s Fan HQ outside Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, signing autographs, and meeting fans from 5 to 6 p.m. MT.
**Introducing New Players**
Coach Emma Hayes has also called in four new faces to the June/July camp, with an emphasis on integrating fresh talent into the team.
These newcomers are:
– Jordyn Bugg, Defender, Seattle Reign FC
– Lilly Reale, Defender, Gotham FC
– Izzy Rodriguez, Defender, Kansas City Current
– Sam Meza, Midfielder, Seattle Reign FC
Overall, there are six uncapped players in the current roster, including goalkeepers Angelina Anderson and Claudia Dickey.
Since taking over as head coach last summer, Hayes has handed first-time call-ups to 27 players, focusing on nurturing young talents in preparation for World Cup Qualifying next year.
“I believe we are in a strong position to have less of a gap between age groups, which has been a significant challenge,” Hayes indicated.
She expressed optimism about the direction of the program, emphasizing her commitment to ensuring cohesiveness within the team.
**Spotlight on Ally Sentnor**
As excitement builds for the game, all eyes should be on Ally Sentnor, who has quickly made a name for herself within the national team.
Having earned her first cap just over six months ago, Sentnor has already made a substantial impact, leading the USWNT in scoring for 2025 with four goals to her name.
In her most recent appearance in a U.S. uniform, she showcased her prolific scoring ability with a first-half brace against Jamaica.
At just 21 years old, Sentnor’s contributions on the attacking front are particularly crucial as several key forwards, including Trinity Rodman (back), Sophia Wilson (pregnant), and Mallory Swanson (pregnant), have faced significant challenges throughout 2025.
With Chelsea forward Catarina Macario also out, Sentnor may be granted more opportunities to shine as a striker.
**Looking at the USWNT and Ireland’s History**
Historically, the USWNT has dominated their encounters with the Republic of Ireland.
In 15 matchups, the USA remains undefeated, having scored a remarkable 51 goals while conceding only once.
The USWNT has netted five goals across seven matches against Ireland, with only two contests failing to feature multiple goals from the U.S. side.
The last time these two teams met was in April 2023, where the USA secured a narrow 1-0 win in St. Louis.
Legendary figures like Alex Morgan and Carli Lloyd have recorded hat tricks against Ireland in previous years, showcasing the team’s formidable scoring ability.
Cindy Parlow Cone, a former USWNT player and current U.S. Soccer President, holds the record for most goals against Ireland, achieving four goals in a single game back in 2004.
As the USWNT prepares for this thrilling matchup, the atmosphere is electric, with a strong roster, returning stars, and promising new talent set to take the field.
image source from：ussoccer
