Kate Keaney involved with US Women's team that won fifth straight SheBelieves Cup

Kate Keaney from Donegal Town has added her second trophy with the US women’s team in the space of one month, where she works as a member of the backroom team, after the international side beat Canada to win their fifth SheBelieves Cup. 

Alyssa Naeher exhibited prowess in the penalty shootout, blocking three shots and successfully converting her own, propelling the United States to victory on Tuesday evening in the final of the SheBelieves Cup.  

This marked the fifth consecutive triumph for the American team in this competition. 

Keaney works as a senior sports scientist with the US Soccer Federation based out of Chicago Illinois, having previously worked with the IRFU and the FAI. 

The encounter between the rivals culminated in a shootout, with the United States emerging victorious with a 5-4 scoreline after the normal time ended in a 2-2 stalemate. Emily Fox secured the decisive goal in the seventh round of the shootout, following Naeher’s crucial stop against Evelyne Viens. 

Sophia Smith was instrumental for the US team, netting both goals. Her first strike levelled the score at 1-1 in the 50th minute. The second goal, in the 68th minute, provided the Americans with a 2-1 lead, courtesy of a well-placed cross from Trinity Rodman. 

Adriana Leon displayed notable skill for Canada, scoring twice. She broke the deadlock in the 40th minute to put Canada ahead 1-0, and later equalised the score at 2-2 by converting a penalty in the 86th minute.