U.S. women’s field hockey tie, win against Ireland in FIH-sanctioned international series
The U.S. Women’s National Field Hockey team tied one game and won the other in a two-game test series against Ireland. (Photo: Jana Benscoter)
The United States women’s field hockey team scored five goals over the weekend in two FIH-sanctioned games against Ireland.
There are two parts to the 2025 Cathy Bessant International Series. Ireland was the first international squad to play against the U.S senior squad. Up next is New Zealand in July.
The July two-game series will also be held at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte.
No. 14 U.S. women’s field hockey vs No. 11 Ireland at UNC-Charlotte: livestream and tickets
Game 1
Ireland struck first with a field goal scored by Niamh Gowing in the second quarter. Four -minutes later, Ryleigh Heck (UNC-Chapel Hill), scored her first international goal in her debut as a senior member of the team.
Heck was named player of the match.
The United Eagles had more advantages on offensive penalty corners. The States had six, and the Green Army had two.
Warnings:
The United States saw three warning cards administered compared to Ireland’s lone card. Despite Ireland having a numbers advantage several times, the Irish were unable to extend their lead.
USA Meredith Sholder, green
Ireland Siofra O’Brien, green (she-fra)
USA Elizabeth Yeager, green
USA Phia Gladiuex, yellow
No. 14 U.S. women’s field hockey vs No. 11 Ireland at UNC-Charlotte: Game 2 livestream and tickets
Game 2
Final: 4-0, USA
Another Tar Heel broke the ice for Team USA in the second game of the test series. Katie Dixon had a breakaway from the Green Army. She was able to use her speed and the pace of the pass to enter the circle, shoot, and score.
Heck then scored her second goal minutes behind Dixon. Heck and Emma DeBerdine were both near post when they finished goals 2 and 3, which were air deflections and batted into the cage.
DeBerdine extended the States’ lead 3-0 in the second quarter.
It was Abby Tamer who ended the States scoring spree in the fourth. There was only one minute remaining and in a small game situation in front of the cage, the United Eagles executed quick passing to find the angle and an open slot behind Ireland’s keeper.
Jenny Rizzo (USA goalie), who didn’t allow the Green Army any goals, including a deflection immediately in front of her, earned the player of the match recognition.
The States earned seven penalty corners. Ireland had five.
Warnings:
The United States had two green cards, and Ireland one.
USA Cassie Sumfest, green
Ireland Niamh Carey, green
USA Ryleigh Heck, green
Coming up: USWNT vs New Zealand
Saturday, July 5
10:00 a.m.
USA vs New Zealand
Sunday, July 6
10:00 a.m.
USA vs New Zealand
Thank you for reading Female Athlete News.
