Rose Lavelle scores on return as US women's football team thrashes Ireland 4-0 in friendly

Rose Lavelle marked her return to the US women’s national team with a goal and an assist, leading them to a dominant 4-0 win over Ireland in a friendly on Thursday in Commerce City, Colorado.

It was Lavelle’s first appearance since undergoing ankle surgery following her last match on December 3, 2024. The US will face Ireland again Sunday in Cincinnati, Lavelle’s hometown.

Avery Patterson opened the scoring in the 18th minute with her first international goal, heading in a Lavelle cross from a short corner. Sam Coffey added a second in first-half stoppage time, weaving past defenders before finishing with her left foot.



Lavelle made it 3-0 in the 53rd minute after a setup from Ally Sentnor, scoring her 25th career goal before being substituted six minutes later.


Alyssa Thompson sealed the result in the 63rd minute with a brilliant solo run from midfield, cutting right and firing into the top corner.

Despite the spotlight on concurrent men’s tournaments, the US women's team reminded fans of their strength under head coach Emma Hayes, who improved to 19-2-2 since taking over in June 2024.

Hayes, who led the team to Olympic gold, continues to test new talent ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

Three players - goalkeeper Claudia Dickey and defenders Lilly Reale and Jordyn Bugg - made their national team debuts, bringing the total number of debutantes under Hayes to 22. Reale notched an assist on Thompson’s goal, while Dickey had a quiet night in net.