The Ireland Down Syndrome Futsal team beat their United States counterparts 11-2 in a thrilling game in Gormanston, Meath today.

A year after the team assembled and represented the country at the European Championships in Italy, Paul Smyth’s team faced an American team at the beginning of their own international journey in what was their first ever international game.

If evidence of the Irish team’s development in a year was summed up it was the manner they started the game with Finn Harps striker Hughie Sweeney giving Ireland the lead after just six seconds.

FINN HARPS WIN FIRST EVER DS CUP 

A minute later Cork City’s Cian Kelleher made it 2-0 win a finish into the bottom corner and Kiegan Taylor of Oxford Bulls scored to make it three. By half time it was 5-0 thanks to goals from Cork City’s Sean Toolin and Bohemians’ Fergus Cosgrave.

The United States would have their goalkeeper Liam Mac Curtin to thank who was on hand numerous times to deny the Irish waves of attack.

After half-time Kelleher got his second of the game before Sweeney hit a brace as Ireland’s dominance and experience began to shine through.  Taylor would score his second of the game before Kelleher completed his third and fourth goals with 10 minutes of the game remaining.

Despite the scoreline the United States didn’t give up and Brighton Ditter forced Ireland goalkeeper David Crawford into two fine saves as they looked for their first ever international goal.

But that moment would eventually come with Mac Curtin (now playing outfield) finishing off an excellent counter attack to score his country’s first goal at Down Syndrome Futsal level.

And Mac Curtin would net his second moments later to reduce the deficit only for Dundalk’s Michael McCloy to score the game’s final goal to end an entertaining game.

Ireland squad: Fergus Cosgrove (Bohemians), David Crawford (Finn Harps), Josh Hennessy (Shelbourne), Cian Kelleher (Cork City), Jamie Linden (Dundalk),  Michael McCloy (Dundalk), Daniel O’Reilly (Finn Harps), Hughie Sweeney (Finn Harps), Keigan Taylor (Oxford Bulls), Sean Toolin (Cork City)

Coaching Staff:
Paul Smyth (Head Coach)
Sean Mulligan (Assistant Coach)
Dylan Geraghty (Assistant Coach)
Tessa Van Heerden (Team Manager)

United States of America squad: Kayden Buffington (California), Brighton Ditter (Maryland), Nicky Gutierrez (Florida),  Evelyn Lacey (New Jersey),  Liam Mac Curtin (Pennsylvania), Dashiell Meier (California), Caitlin Trevor (London, England), Cameron Walker (Oregan)

Coaching Staff:
Joslynn Bigelow (Head Coach)
Ella McGahey (Assistant Coach)
Brian Mac Curtin (Assistant Coach)
Kelly Trevor (Team Manager)