USA trip about more than the results for Ward

Republic of Ireland head coach Carla Ward. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Michelle O’Brien holds the distinction of being the only Irish player to score against the USA and she was American-born herself.

Ireland are back Stateside this week, preparing for two friendlies against the side ranked first in Fifa rankings, starting late on Thursday night in Colorado (2am Fri, Irish time) and concluding on Sunday in Cincinnati (8pm Irish time).