SAN JOSE, Calif. — Abby Wambach scored twice and the United States women’s soccer team defeated Ireland 3-0 Sunday in a tuneup for the Women’s World Cup.
Defender Julie Johnston, who has made just 10 international appearances, added a goal to extend her scoring streak to three straight matches.
It was the Americans’ fifth straight shutout, and goalie Hope Solo added to her U.S. record with the 83rd of her career. Wambach padded her career scoring record of 180 goals, and Sunday’s match was her 44th with multiple goals.
The sold-out exhibition at San Jose’s new Avaya Stadium was part of a send-off tour for the Women’s World Cup, which starts next month in Canada. The Americans head to Carson, California, next Sunday for a match against Mexico.
The United States played without forward Alex Morgan because of a bone bruise in her left knee. She also will miss the Mexico game.
U.S. coach Jill Ellis said this week that Morgan is being held out as a precaution.
The United States also was without midfielder Tobin Heath because of a lingering left hamstring injury.
The U.S. is now 11-0-0 all-time against Ireland, which is currently ranked No. 31 in the world and isn’t among the 24 teams playing in the World Cup.
The United States opens the World Cup on June 8 with a group play match against Australia in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Women’s soccer’s premier tournament is being played in six Canadian cities over the course of a month, with the final set for July 5 in Vancouver, British Columbia.
The Americans are in Group D with Australia, Nigeria and Sweden.
A sellout crowd of 18,000 fans attended Sunday’s match at the new home of the San Jose Earthquakes.
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