U.S. women cruise to 3-0 win over Ireland in stateside return

Aug 3, 2019; Pasadena, CA, USA; USA defender Ali Krieger (11) controls the ball against Ireland defender Eabha OÕMahony (20) and forward Rianna Jarrett (12) during the second half of the U.S. Women's National Team Victory Tour soccer match at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The U.S. women's soccer team cruised to a 3-0 win over Ireland in Pasadena on Saturday in their first match on home soil since claiming back-to-back World Cup titles in France last month.

The team's "Victory Tour" got off to a winning start when Christen Press sent a high-arcing pass to Tobin Heath, whose header found the back of the net in the 16th minute.

Aug 3, 2019; Pasadena, CA, USA; USA midfielder Lindsey Horan (9) moves the ball against Ireland defender Niamh Fahey (5) during the second half of the U.S. Women's National Team Victory Tour soccer match at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Lindsey Horan doubled the advantage 15 minutes later and Carli Lloyd scored through a header from distance before the break to put the game out of Ireland's reach.

The U.S. are still riding high after defeating the Netherlands 2-0 last month to claim their fourth World Cup title and said their match at the Rose Bowl, where the team won their second world title 20 years ago, was special.

"This is such a historic place and it has such memories for the U.S. Women's National Team," said defender Becky Sauerbrunn.

Aug 3, 2019; Pasadena, CA, USA; USA midfielder Julie Ertz (8) plays for the ball against Ireland defender Niamh Fahey (5) during the second half of the U.S. Women's National Team Victory Tour soccer match at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

"We're just so thankful to get to celebrate with everyone who supported us in France.

"This is a great night."

Aug 3, 2019; Pasadena, CA, USA; USA defender Ali Krieger (11) moves the ball against Ireland during the second half of the U.S. Women's National Team Victory Tour soccer match at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

(Reporting by Rory Carroll; editing by Sudipto Ganguly)

Aug 3, 2019; Pasadena, CA, USA; USA midfielder Allie Long (20) plays for the ball against Ireland defender Harriett Scott (3) and defender Louise Quinn (4) during the second half of the U.S. Women's National Team Victory Tour soccer match at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 3, 2019; Pasadena, CA, USA; USA midfielder Julie Ertz (8) moves the ball ahead of Ireland forward Rianna Jarrett (12) during the second half of the U.S. Women's National Team Victory Tour soccer match at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports