USWNT's Rose Lavelle records a goal and assist in first game back, helping to defeat Ireland 4-0

New York Times

2 days ago

Rose Lavelle scored and provided an assist in her first game for the U.S. women's national team in 2025, after a long injury layoff following an ankle surgery at the beginning of the year.
The U.S. cruised to a 4-0 victory over Ireland in Commerce City, Colo., with two first half goals from defender Avery Patterson, which Lavelle assisted, and midfielder Sam Coffey. The final dagger came from forward Alyssa Thompson in front of a crowd of 18,504 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
For Lavelle, it was her 25th international goal, scored in her 111th appearance for the national team. In a twist, she scored it with her right foot, not her preferred left.
Ally Sentnor to Rose Lavelle! She's SO back 🙌
(via USWNT)
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— NWSL (@nwslsoccer.com) June 26, 2025 at 10:33 PM
The midfielder only recently returned to play for Gotham FC in the NWSL, managing a total of 71 minutes across three matches so far this season. On Thursday, head coach Emma Hayes subbed her off in the 59th minute as she continues to return to full fitness.
Lavelle wasn't the only one shining for the U.S. in this first game of the international window.
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Patterson, starting at right back for her fifth cap and third start for the national team, has made a strong case for herself in this lengthy period of evaluation under Hayes in 2025. While Patterson has already scored three goals for the Houston Dash, Thursday's opener was her first on the international stage.
AVERY'S FIRST IN THE RED WHITE AND BLUE 🤩
#USWNT x VW
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— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@uswnt.ussoccer.com) June 26, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Coffey also continued her scoring ways for the U.S., tallying her third international goal before halftime. Lavelle was also involved in the build-up of Coffey's goal, with her pass leading to Thompson's assist.
Finally, Thompson added the fourth in the 63rd minute, cutting back across the Ireland defense and putting the ball on her right foot for a curling shot.
HOW MANY LETTERS IN THOMPSON BECAUSE ALYSSA 8 WITH THAT GOAL 🔥
(via USWNT)
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— NWSL (@nwslsoccer.com) June 26, 2025 at 10:42 PM
The game also saw a continuation of debuts from Hayes, with three more on Thursday night. Goalkeeper Claudia Dickey of Seattle Reign FC and left back Lilly Reale of Gotham FC both earned starts in Colorado. Reign defender Jordyn Bugg also earned her first cap, subbing on late in the second half for captain Naomi Girma. Dickey was debut No. 20 for Hayes, Reale No. 21, and Bugg No. 22.
Hayes and the USWNT head to Cincinnati next for a second match against Ireland, satisfied not just with their performance on Thursday, but with more exploration and proof of the depth of the U.S. pool.
(Top Photo: Ray Bahner / Getty Images)