June 27 (UPI) -- Veteran midfielder Rose Lavelle was an immediate contributor in her first match for the United States Women's National Team since December, logging a goal and assist in a 4-0 shutout of Ireland.
Lavelle, whose six-month hiatus was tied to an ankle injury, scored in the 53rd minute of the Americans' third-consecutive shutout Thursday in Commerce City, Calif. Right back Avery Patterson and midfielders Sam Coffey and Alyssa Thompson scored the other goals in the victory at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Thompson also logged an assist.
"Firstly, we're all delighted for Rose," U.S. coach Emma Hayes told reporters. "There is only one Rose Lavelle. There really is, both on and off the field, as a character, as a football player, as a human being.
"It's been a tough injury to recover from, but she's such a professional, also a perfectionist."
The Americans held a 26-2 shooting advantage, including an 8-0 edge in shots on target. They also made 526 passes, compared to 258 for Ireland, and controlled 68% of the possession.
