[U.S. WOMEN] The U.S. women's national team opened its post-Olympic tour with a 2-0 defeat of Ireland in front of 13,176 fans at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field
Heather O'Reilly, serving as captain in honor of her 100th cap against Brazil in last month's Olympic gold-medal game, set up Natasha Kai for the first goal with a cross that Kai headed home in the 32nd minute.
O'Reilly sealed the victory just four minutes from time with a left-footed rocket from just outside the penalty area that flew over Irish goalkeeper Emma Byrne and clanked off the underside of the crossbar at the upper left corner.
The win moved the U.S. women to 27-1-1 in 2008. The second match of Achieve Your Gold Tour will take place on Wednesday against Ireland at Giants Stadium. The USA completes the three-game series against the Irish on Saturday at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill.
GAME SUMMARY:
Sept. 13 in Philadelphia
USA 2 Ireland 0. Goals: Kai 32, O'Reilly 86.
USA — Solo (Barnhart, 46), Chalupny, Rampone, Markgraf (Buehler, 46), Mitts (Cox, 46), Tarpley, Boxx, Lloyd, O'Reilly, Kai (White, 60), Hucles (Wagner, 46).
Ireland — Byrne, Tracy, De Burca, Fahey, Moran, Grant, Hughes, Connor (McDonnell, 53), O'Gorman (Taylor, 90), O'Brien, Curtis (McCormack, 62).
Referee: Kari Seitz (USA).
Att.: 13,176.