The United States Women's National Team will face the Republic of Ireland on Saturday afternoon in the first of a two-game series between the countries. 

Julie Ertz, who was an honorary co-chair for Philadelphia's 2026 World Cup bid, is back with the team for the first time in two years due to an injury and maternity leave. Ertz will be honored before the match for her 100th cap, which she earned against England on March 5, 2020, right before the global pandemic shut down sports.

Perhaps the even bigger story though is who could be playing for the U.S.'s opponent. Sinead Farrelly, who recently returned to professional soccer with NJ/NY Gotham FC, is expected to suit up and could even start for the Republic of Ireland.

The former Olympic Development Program and FC Delco star from Havertown is in line to make her senior international debut after receiving FIFA clearance for a one-time switch. The switch was needed because she represented the U.S. at the Under-17, Under-20 and Under-23 levels. 

A dual-citizen of the U.S. and the Republic of Ireland, Farrelly spent time living in Ireland as a child and all of her extended family on her father's side lives in Ireland. Her return to the professional game - she made her Gotham FC debut last weekend - has come after an almost seven-year absence. 

She talks about her return to the game and the opportunity to represent the Republic of Ireland in the video below. 

Saturday's match is being played at Q2 Stadium, the home of Major League Soccer's Austin FC. Kickoff is slated for 2:30 p.m. and the game will be broadcast live on TNT and Universo and stream live on the Peacock app. 

The two teams will meet again on Tuesday in St. Louis in what will be the last game before the U.S. roster for the 2023 FIFA World Cup is selected. 

Photo Credit: Morgan Tencza