United States Powers Past Ireland 18–5 with Deep and Balanced Attack

Anna Brandt scored a game-high three goals as the United States used contributions from across its roster to secure a convincing Pool A victory at the 2026 World Lacrosse Women’s Championship.

The United States defeated Ireland 18–5 in Pool A action at the 2026 World Lacrosse Women’s Championship on July 25 at Oi Stadium in Tokyo.

The defending world power established control early, scoring five goals in the opening quarter and steadily extending its advantage throughout the contest. The United States won every period and received goals from 13 different players in an impressive display of offensive depth.

United States Takes Early Control

Cassidy Weeks opened the scoring with 11:57 remaining in the first quarter before Izzy Scane doubled the lead less than two minutes later.

Ireland responded through Finja Degl, who converted a pass from Brigid Welch to make the score 2–1. However, the United States answered with three consecutive goals.

Anna Brandt scored from a free-position opportunity, Weeks added her second goal, and Scane completed her own first-quarter double to give the United States a 5–1 advantage after 15 minutes.

Ireland struck first in the second quarter when Ava Connaughton scored from another Welch assist. The United States then regained control through goals from Madison Taylor, Emma LoPinto, Ally Kennedy and Brandt.

Brandt’s second goal of the game gave the United States a 9–2 halftime lead.

Third-Quarter Surge Extends the Lead

Sam Apuzzo opened the second half with her first goal of the contest, assisted by Eliza Osburn.

Riley O’Mara briefly responded for Ireland, but the United States scored four unanswered goals to close the quarter. Marie McCool converted a free-position opportunity before Kenzie Kent, Emma Muchnick and Brandt each found the net.

Brandt completed her hat trick with 2:16 remaining in the period, sending the United States into the fourth quarter with a commanding 14–3 lead.

Ireland’s Riley Peterson opened the final-quarter scoring, but Chloe Humphrey answered with two consecutive goals for the United States.

Taylor scored her second goal with three minutes remaining before Connaughton added her second for Ireland. Osburn completed the scoring with seven seconds left, sealing the 18–5 victory.

Offensive Depth Defines the Victory

Brandt led the United States with three goals, while Weeks, Scane, Taylor and Humphrey each scored twice.

Apuzzo and Kent each contributed one goal and two assists, while Taylor finished with two goals and one assist. Kennedy added one goal and one assist as the United States recorded nine assists on its 18 goals.

The United States placed 27 of its 36 shots on target and converted exactly 50 percent of its total attempts. The Americans also committed only three turnovers while forcing Ireland into 12.

The draw battle was competitive, with the United States holding a narrow 14–13 advantage. Ally Mastroianni played a major role in securing possession, repeatedly winning draws during the second half.

Caylee Waters and Shea Dolce shared the goalkeeping responsibilities for the United States. Waters made two saves in the first half, while Dolce recorded four after halftime.

Ireland was led by Connaughton, who scored twice. Degl, O’Mara and Peterson also found the net, while Welch supplied two assists.

Goalkeeper Niamh Pfaff faced sustained pressure throughout the game and finished with nine saves.

The United States won the four quarters 5–1, 4–1, 5–1 and 4–2, producing a controlled and comprehensive performance from start to finish.

Game Summary

2026 World Lacrosse Women’s Championship — Pool A
United States 18–5 Ireland
July 25, 2026
Oi Stadium — Field 1, Tokyo

Quarter-by-quarter

Ireland: 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 — 5
United States: 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 — 18