US 24-11 Defeats Ireland

Two first half tries by the US quickly put the match nearly out of reach for Ireland. Flyhalf Kristen Baja converted on both kicks. Ireland got on the board with a penalty kick at 35 minutes. In second half action, Kristen Baja scored a unconverted try just after the half opened. Flanker Phaidra Knight was sin binned for an infraction causing some harrowing defensive situations. Ireland posted a try and later in the half another penalty kick. Penalties on both teams slowed play but quick thinking by replacement fullback Laura Cabrera brought the ball to the 5 meter line and subsequently another Phaidra Knight try to bring the score to 24-11. Knight spoiled Irish hopes by picking up a loose ball and bringing it near the US tryline again. The final minutes of the match were spent within the Irish 22 battling over the ball with several missed scoring opportunities by the US. At the end of the match, exhausted Irish and US players saluted the vocal crowd and each other.

The US will continue with World Cup pool play this Friday against Australia.

**I watched this match at the 247.com website and the reception was MUCH better than the first USA game. There was only one interuption where the signal was lost and a few pixelated shots, but MUCH MUCH better! GREAT JOB EAGLES!