The USWNT reached a historic milestone, claiming its 600th victory with a commanding 4-0 win over Ireland. But what really stood out wasn’t just the scoreline — it was how they did it. With a lineup full of newcomers and teenagers, the squad delivered a second straight shutout, showing poise, control, and a maturity well beyond its years. The match, held at TQL Stadium, was the second between the teams in just four days, and once again, the Americans didn’t give Ireland a single goal.
Coach Emma Hayes had made her intentions clear: use this FIFA window to get a closer look at her full roster. And she followed through, fielding an entirely different starting eleven from the previous game. The response? Confident, crisp, and completely in control.
The win also pushed the USWNT’s flawless record against Ireland to 17-0, with a staggering 59-1 goal differential. No other national team in women’s soccer has that kind of dominance over a single opponent. Even more impressive? That’s now 14 straight clean sheets against the Irish — the longest shutout streak in program history versus any team. That’s not just dominance. That’s consistency, even with a rotating squad.
Biyendolo sets the tone early
Just 11 minutes in, Lynn Biyendolo, wearing the captain’s armband for the first time, made her mark. She started the move out wide, passed to Emma Sears, then darted into the box. The return ball found her in stride, and without hesitation, she volleyed it into the top left corner. A statement goal, delivered by the most experienced player on the field, her 25th in a U.S. jersey.
Ireland did manage to push forward a bit more after the half-hour mark. Their best look came in the 38th minute, when Kyra Carusa fired from distance, but missed wide. The U.S., meanwhile, had the bulk of the possession and finished the half with nine shots on goal.
Then came the second. At minute 42, after a flurry of short passes inside the Irish box, Ryan’s shot was blocked but not cleared. Moultrie gathered and found Sears, who spun and took a shot. Brosnan made the save, but Izzy Rodriguez pounced on the rebound and buried it left-footed to make it 2-0.
More pressure, more goals
The second half opened with more of the same: control, urgency, and creativity. Bethune had a chance that was deflected, and Sears followed it up with a shot that sailed high after linking up with Sams. The tempo never dipped.
In the 66th minute, Ryan once again played the instigator and the finisher. She switched play out to Sears on the wing, who hustled to keep it in and sent a low cross into the box. Moultrie accelerated, cut into space, and fed it right back to Ryan, who slotted it home clean.
The fourth and final goal came at 86. With fresh legs on the pitch, Sam Coffey connected with Hutton, who whipped in a cross. Alyssa Thompson, calm under pressure, cushioned it with her left and knocked it in with her right. Her second goal in as many matches and a clear sign she’s seizing her opportunity.