Syracuse women’s soccer: Courtney Brosnan starts for Ireland against USWNT

The Orange alum shined under tough circumstances

In two friendlies, one on Thursday and the other on Sunday, former Syracuse Orange goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan started for Ireland against the US Women’s National Team. She also captained this Ireland team in the absence of their usual captain, Katie McCabe.

Brosnan has been the Irish first-choice keeper for many years, even finding herself in their women’s World Cup squad in 2023. During Thursday’s game, she made her 50th appearance for the Irish side, and has started her fair share of these appearances since she has found herself in the squad. Brosnan could have actually represented the USWNT at the international level; however, she chose Ireland to get closer to her Irish heritage, as she mentioned in an interview with The 42.

During the game on Thursday, the US ended up routing the Irish national team, winning the game 4-0. Brosnan had 6 saves during the game, only slightly tempering a thunderous US attack that played 25 shots, 10 being on goal. She was able to help stop the bleeding for the Irish national team and managed to slow down the US attack that left the rest of the team struggling.

Sunday’s match was much of the same, with the same 4-0 scoreline as Thursday’s match. The American attack was just as prolific in this one as last game, as they fired off 26 shots, 8 being on net. This time, Brosnan only had 4 saves, but after facing 50 shots over 2 games, she still was able to hold her own between the sticks for Ireland.

Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

Brosnan played keeper for the Orange for four years between 2014 and 2017. In her senior season, she was named to the All-ACC third team when she recorded 102 saves, which is the third-largest single-season total in Syracuse history. She also left the Orange as the all-time saves leader, reaching 344 saves in her career. She now plays for Everton FC in the Women’s Super League and will be looking to help Ireland qualify for their second consecutive Women’s World Cup.

We will keep you updated on Brosnan’s career with the Ireland squad, so stay tuned at Nunes Magician.