The youth project continued for interim coach Dave Sarachan and U.S. men’s soccer with the second of three friendlies in the span of a couple weeks on Saturday in Dublin, Ireland. A young squad showed a few positives and a few more negatives in a 2-1 loss for the USMNT vs Ireland.
Coming off an impressive 3-0 win over a dismal Bolivia side on Monday in Pennsylvania, the U.S. changed its squad a bit for the trip to Europe to face Ireland and France in an eight-day period.
U.S. interim coach Dave Sarachan called up another young group; the average age of the starting lineup Saturday was 22.6. Christian Pulisic was allowed to stay stateside while teenagers Tim Weah, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams started in midfield. Another teenager, Josh Sargent, came on in the second half while three players made their USMNT debuts as second-half subs: Tim Parker (25), Shaq Moore (21) and Luca de la Torre (20).
Ireland started the stronger side and had a few chances to put one past U.S. keeper Bill Hamid, including this fizzing effort from long range.
Light work for @BillHamid28. Still scoreless nearly a half hour thru in Dublin.pic.twitter.com/dWLDRanYKv
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@ussoccer_mnt) June 2, 2018
Tyler Adams nearly scored for the USMNT vs Ireland in the first half, only for teammate Rubio Rubin to deflect it off target. To be fair to Rubin, it was tough to tell if the ball would have found the back of the net.
Nearly connects! A @tyler_adams14 screamer deflects just over the bar.pic.twitter.com/XI2OfTcXeU
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@ussoccer_mnt) June 2, 2018
Just before the halftime whistle, Bobby Wood scored the opener, reaching his leg out to reach a ball headed into the box by Matt Miazga. It was a much-needed goal for Wood, who scored just two goals with Hamburg and saw his team relegated from the Bundesliga this past season.
Bobbbb
Beeeee
Wooood @MattMiazga3 with the flick on, @BobbyS_Wood with the finish! pic.twitter.com/trvEGb0nkM— U.S. Soccer MNT (@ussoccer_mnt) June 2, 2018
Hamid, who has struggled to find playing time since moving to FC Midtjylland in Denmark in January, showed plenty of rust in goal for the USMNT vs Ireland. The Boys in Green took advantage to score the equalizer in the 57th minute.
Hamid tried to go for a cross but didn’t get close to the ball, leaving the net open for Graham Burke.
#Ireland equalize on a short-corner routine that #USMNT failed to defend properly. Bill Hamid came for the cross but didn't get it, leaving an empty net. Game of set pieces today. 1-1. #IRLvUSA #IRLUSA pic.twitter.com/Oj3GjdZxzA
— Jason Foster (@JogaBonito_USA) June 2, 2018
It was the first goal the U.S. had allowed in 386 minutes dating back to a 1-1 draw with Portugal in November. Not long after, Ireland had a goal called back for offside.
In the 75th minute, 19-year-old Schalke midfielder McKennie used a stellar first touch to create a pocket of space to fire a shot at goal. However, the attempt went straight at Ireland keeper Colin Doyle and the score remained 1-1.
Good effort by Weston McKennie to force Doyle into a save. Strength to hold off the defender, and then a great touch to create an opening for the shot. #USMNT #IRLvUSA #IRLUSA pic.twitter.com/Bnch7egN1m
— Jason Foster (@JogaBonito_USA) June 2, 2018
The missed opportunity proved costly when Ireland won it in the 90th minute.
Alan Judge scored his first international goal with just about his first touch on the pitch when he took the ball off the foot of James McClean, who made a nice move to find space to set up the opportunity. Hamid had no chance to stop this shot and was let down by his midfield, which allowed McClean to waltz through the box unmarked.
Alan Judge gives #Ireland the late 2-1 lead vs #USMNT, set up by great work from James McClean. Fully deserved lead for the home side, poor defending by USMNT. #IRLvUSA #IRLUSA pic.twitter.com/swi4m6rYjI
— Jason Foster (@JogaBonito_USA) June 2, 2018
The USMNT vs Ireland match saw both sides sport jerseys with rainbow-colored numbers in support of LGBTQ Pride Month. This was allowed because FIFA only forbids soccer associations making political or religious statements, not human rights statements.
Celebrating our nation's diversity today and always. Soccer for all.#PrideMonth | #OneNation pic.twitter.com/eUqKJYpH3d
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@ussoccer_mnt) June 2, 2018
#IRLUSA #Pride pic.twitter.com/zgWZptSmqp
— FAIreland (@FAIreland) June 2, 2018
The match also doubled as a sendoff for John O’Shea, who made his final appearance for Ireland and was subbed off in the 35th minute after 119 caps for the Green Army.
Thank you, John O'Shea #ThanksJosh #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/AuxiQoy3Aw
— FAIreland (@FAIreland) June 2, 2018
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