USWNT open World Cup victory tour with win over Ireland

Reigning FIFA Women's World Cup champion USA beat Ireland 3-0 thanks to goals from Tobin Heath, Lindsey Horan and Carli Lloyd.

Carli Lloyd and Crystal Dunn celebrate during their team's 3-0 win over Ireland.

Women's World Cup champion the United States started its victory tour with a 3-0 win over the Republic of Ireland.

After defending its World Cup trophy in France, USA defeated Ireland thanks to goals from Tobin Heath, Lindsey Horan and Carli Lloyd in California on Saturday.

USA was without stars Megan Rapinoe or Alex Morgan at the Rose Bowl – the first of five games across the United States that will run through October. But that just meant some of USA's other stars were able to shine.

Christen Press, who impressed throughout the World Cup, fed the ball to Heath – who opened the scoring in the 16th minute. Samantha Mewis and Lindsey Horan quickly partnered up for the next goal – the latter doubling the advantage just past the half-hour mark with a tap-in.

Lloyd capped off the team's scoring four minutes before halftime after the veteran looped a header over the Ireland goalkeeper.

Next up, USA will face Portugal in Philadelphia on August 29.