Donegal pair play in Irish four-goal defeat against USA

Donegal’s Amber Barrett and Tyler Toland played for the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team in a disappointing 4-0 loss to the USA. 

English-born Anna Patten, who qualifies for the Girls in Green partly due to a Falcarragh-born grandparent, featured in the whole 90 minutes at DSG Park in Colorado.

The Irish team knew to expect a difficult contest against the world’s number one international team, who are also preparing for a home World Cup in 2027.

Milford-native Barrett and Patten started, but Barrett, who plays for Standard Liege, was subbed off after 75 minutes. St Johnston’s Toland was put on after half time for her 25th cap, with Ireland already 2-0 down. 

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First-half goals from Avery Patterson and Sam Coffey set the Americans on their way to victory before Rose Lavelle and Alyssa Thompson sealed the tie. 

In a match dominated by American possession of the ball, Patten, along with her teammates, had to pull off moments of courageous defending to try to stem the tide, however, the USWNT were able to pull away comfortably in the end. 

The Irish team will hope for a better outcome against the USWNT in a second friendly match on June 29 in Ohio, as they continue their preparations for the UEFA Nations League Promotion/Relegation play-off against Belgium in October.