USA too strong for Ireland in friendly clash

Two goals in each half condemned the Republic of Ireland to a 4-0 defeat against the USA in the first of two friendly meetings.

The US, ranked number one in the world, dominated throughout with the 25th-ranked Irish side managing just one shot during the 90 minutes.

Avery Patterson’s first international goal put the hosts in front after 18 minutes in Colorado, Sam Coffey doubling the advantage deep into stoppage time at the end of the first half.

Rose Lavelle added a third early in the second half with Alyssa Thompson completing the scoring with a spectacular solo goal just after the hour.

Ireland’s Emily Murphy did force a sharp save from debutant goalkeeper Claudia Dickey, but the offside flag would have ruled out her half volley.

The two sides meet again on Sunday in Cincinnati.