U.S. Paralympic National Team falls to Republic of Ireland

The U.S. Paralympic National Team opened its run in the BT Paralympic World Cup with a 3-1 loss against the Republic of Ireland.

Ireland’s Luke Evans scored on a penalty kick in the 16th minute after goalkeeper Keith Johnson was called for taking a player down in the box. Peter Cotter scored early in the second half to make it 2-0 before U.S. midfielder Rene Renteria was able to pull one back off an assist from Josh McKinney. Evans later added Ireland’s third goal to seal the final score.

The U.S. will next face Great Britain on Thursday, May 24, before rounding out group play against Brazil on Friday, May 25.

– U.S. Paralympic National Team Match Report –

Match: U.S. Paralympic National Team vs. Ireland
Date: May 23, 2012
Competition: BT World Cup
Venue: Manchester Regional Arena; Manchester, England
Attendance: 300
Weather: 68 degrees, sunny

Scoring Summary: 1 2 F
USA                        0 1 1
IRL                         1 2 3

IRL – Luke Evans (penalty)                 16th minute
IRL – Peter Cotter                              43
USA – Rene Renteria (Josh McKinney)  48
IRL – Luke Evans                               56

Lineups:
USA: 1-Keith Johnson, 6-Chris Ahrens (5-Bryce Boarman, 48), 4-Chad Jones, 11-Tyler Bennett, 16-Rene Renteria, 2-Gavin Sibayan, 9-Josh McKinney
Subs not used: 18-Alex Hendricks, 3-Moises Morales, 14-Jerreme Wade
Head Coach: Jay Hoffman

IRL: 1-Brian McGillivary, 2-Kieran Devlin (6-Finbar O’Riorden, 58), 8-Eric O’Flaherty (11-Peter Cotter, 30), 4-Luke Evans, 5-Daragh Byrne, 7-Gary Messett, 9-Daragh Snell (12-Aaron Tire, 46)

Stats Summary: USA / IRL
Shots: 9 / 28
Saves: 16 / 6
Corner Kicks: 4 / 10
Fouls: 5 / 8

Misconduct Summary:
USA – Josh McKinney (caution)  34th minute
IRE – Kieran Devlin (caution)      57

Referees
Referee: Hayley Ives
Assistant Referee 1: Kevin Wright
Assistant Referee 2: Keith Stroud
Fourth Official: Scott Henry