DUBLIN, IRELAND (June 2, 2018) – After a whole second half of the scoreboard remaining 1-1, the Irish went home the victors in Saturday’s friendly against the United States.
Alan Judge’s stoppage-time goal the difference in USMNT loss
Both clubs are not making the trip to Russia this summer for the FIFA World Cup. Instead, the United States bowed out of qualifying after a humiliating loss to Trinidad and Tobago.
Meanwhile, the Irish lost their ticket after a clash with Denmark.
Featuring on home soil for the first time since their dismal World Cup withdraw, the Irish secured a 2-1 victory over the United States.
Alan Judge’s stoppage-time goal the difference in USMNT loss
Alan Judge was the hero of the match, scoring the 90th-minute goal. James McClean, who featured for English Premier League club West Bromwich Albion, recorded the assist.
However, the United States did claim the first goal at Aviva Stadium. In front of 32,000 fans, Bobby Wood scored his first goal since March 27 against Paraguay. Wood’s goal in Ireland was assisted by defender Matt Miazga.
Ireland tied the match before the halftime whistle blew. However, after some confusion on to which player actually scored, Ireland confirmed the equalizer was scored by Graeme Burke.
Burke, who features in Ireland for the Shamrock Rovers, scored in first half stoppage time. The goal was assisted by Darragh Lenihan, who made his debut for Ireland.
While one player debuted for Ireland, three debuted for the United States. Shaq Moore, Luca de la Torre and Tim Parker made their senior national team debuts.
Meanwhile, the chapter closed on one player’s career. Ireland international John O’Shea exited the match in the 35th minute for the final time. The defender holds 118 appearances for Ireland and scored three goals.
On to the next chapter. Thank you, John O'Shea 💚 #COYBIG #ThanksJosh pic.twitter.com/DmuWyWEQh5
— Ireland Football ⚽️🇮🇪 (@IrelandFootball) June 2, 2018
🗣Bobbbb
🗣Beeeee
🗣Wooood@MattMiazga3 with the flick on, @BobbyS_Wood with the finish! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/trvEGb0nkM— U.S. Men's National Soccer Team (@USMNT) June 2, 2018
Three Takeaways
- Bill and his Irish bad luck: Bill Hamid certainly doesn’t have the luck of the Irish. In his second match against the Ireland team, Hamid recorded another loss. Yet, it was another issue of getting off the goalkeeper line that troubled the former D.C. United goalkeeper. Tonight was not his night — and it’s time for Dave Sarachan to start the real goalkeeper of the future for U.S. Soccer: Zack Steffen.
- Wood gains some confidence: To say that Bobby Wood had a lackluster year in Germany is an understatement. In the most recent season for Hamburg SV, which was relegated at the end of the Bundesliga season, Wood only scored two goals. Now, he’s linked with Huddersfield. Either way, Wood got some confidence with the goal — but now has a big decision regarding his future in Germany or beyond.
- Carter-Vickers just wasn’t good: There’s no other way to put it. Playing at right center back, Cameron Carter-Vickers didn’t have a good showing against Ireland. In the 30th minute, a yellow card was shown to Carter-Vickers for a late tackle on Jonathan Walters. Pairing him and DeAndre Yedlin on the right side was a mistake by Sarachan.
Loudest 👏 Fans 👏 In the building 👏
You're incredible, @AmericanOutlaws. pic.twitter.com/HNu4OSgghd
— U.S. Men's National Soccer Team (@USMNT) June 2, 2018
Player Reaction on Social Media
https://twitter.com/BillHamid28/status/1003038874313068544
https://twitter.com/wil_trapp/status/1003032557649383425
https://twitter.com/TimWeah/status/1003025750096785408
