IRELAND’S WOMEN WERE Stateside this evening for a marquee friendly against USA in California and despite losing 3-0, Sue Ronan’s side put in a battling performance.

Two goals in the space of as many minutes just before the interval from Abby Wambach changed the complexion of the game after Ireland had kept the hosts at bay for much of the first-half.

Julie Johnston added a third after the break but there were plenty of positives to take from a game played in front of a sell-out crowd of 18,000 in San Jose.

The performance of Niamh Reid Burke between the posts was one but her evening was tarnished by a lapse in concentration which led to the opening goal.

As the corner was swung in, a sweetly struck volley hit Meadh de Burca – who was on the post – flush on the face but instead of playing on, the visitors seemed to stop and USA took full advantage.

Reid Burke won’t want to see this again as she turned her back on the ball to check on her team mate while Wambach slotted into the empty net for her 179th international goal.

It was a shame because Reid Burke had made a succession of outstanding saves up to that point.

The goalkeeper was left helpless a couple of minutes later as Wambach doubled her sides’ advantage by heading Carli Lloyd’s cross home.

Ireland were caught out by another set-piece for the third with Johnston firing past Reid Burke on 54 minutes.

It was always going to be a stern test for Ireland but Ronan’s charges defended resolutely against the side ranked second in the world.

Ireland now head to Florida where they play Haiti on Thursday (1am Irish time).

QUIZ: Can you guess these League of Ireland clubs by their 90s shirt sponsors?

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