WOMEN'S TEAM

Brosnan On USA Homecoming, Mentality & Brighton Test

Courtney Brosnan says it felt like her football career had come full circle over the international break after the Republic of Ireland competed in back-to-back friendlies against the United States.

Born and raised in New Jersey, the Everton goalkeeper has been a regular performer for the Republic of Ireland and boasts an impressive record.

Prior to facing the reigning World Cup champions, Brosnan hadn't conceded an international goal since April 2022, an outstanding record for a keeper on form.

A run that spanned more than 650 minutes of football came to an end over the break, but it acted as only a reminder of the significant progress Brosnan’s Ireland have made.

On a personal note, taking to the field twice against a nation she grew up in were moments full of pride.

“When you’re playing, you don’t think about everything you’ve accomplished. It’s only when you take a step back and look at how far you’ve come, reflect on everything you’ve achieved, you begin to appreciate it,” Brosnan told evertonfc.com.

“To have my family there, for them to support me and see how proud they are of me. That’s just an extra bonus to an already great feeling. 

“It’s always a tough choice when you’re young and decide to leave home but I knew I had to take that jump for myself and my development. 

“It’s cool to see the progress I’ve made and see how it’s benefited me to be playing over here in Europe in one of the top leagues in the world.

“At Everton, I’m just trying to do my best for the team and internationally at Ireland as well. Hopefully I can continue to keep making steps forward.”

The Republic of Ireland were narrowly beaten 2-0 in the initial friendly and a 1-0 loss followed in the second. The latter encounter saw another interesting match-up as Brosnan was reunited with Casey Murphy, a goalkeeper she worked alongside growing up.

Reuniting with one of her childhood friends acted a reminder of how far the pair have come.

“I’ve played with Casey since I was around 10 years old. We’re both from New Jersey, played for PDA Slammers,” she said.

“That team growing up was special. We went on some crazy unbeaten streak; we didn’t lose a game for three years! 

“To be playing against one of the best goalkeepers in the world now, seeing what she’s doing in the NWSL and with the USA national team. She really helped me growing up, we pushed each other, what we had to do in order to reach the top. 

“It was a full circle moment to share the pitch with her and compete on the highest stage. I thought it was really special.

“We were so young, but we knew we wanted to go to college and become professional. So, we ended up splitting our game time in goal, which is a bit unusual, but it really helped us both progress and show what we’re capable of.

“The trust from our coach ensured that we could take those steps forward and make a career out of football.”

There is perhaps a feeling of déjà vu for the Everton goalkeeper who now competes alongside Emily Ramsey at Club level for a spot in the starting XI.

But Brosnan knows from her previous experience how beneficial that healthy competition can be.

“I get along really well with Rambo,” Brosnan said.

“I enjoy training with her and spending time with her at the training ground.

“It’s really important for me to have a goalkeeper I trust, and I think you can see that in our relationship. It’s beneficial to the team because we’re both pushing each other.

“Obviously, we both want to play, but we both want what’s best for the team, too. 

“In the long run, it’s really good for us to challenge ourselves on a daily basis and get results for the team.”

Earlier this season Brosnan starred for the Republic of Ireland as they beat Scotland at Hampden Park to secure qualification for her nation’s first-ever World Cup finals.

The past couple of years have been full of many proud moments representing her nation, Brosnan hopes she can be part of another later this year.

“I’m really excited for the summer but most of all I’m really proud of the team and everything we’ve been to accomplish,” she said.

“There probably weren’t many people who believed we could get here, but we always had that belief in ourselves.

“To secure qualification is amazing.

“The two games against the US taught us we are looking for more and we want to be at our best this summer. 

“We’re trying to do everything we can to keep improving and show our best selves when July comes around.

“Everyone knows how difficult it will be to make that final squad because it’s a limited number and we have a great amount of talent.

“Right now, everyone is focusing on doing their best. Making sure they’re one of the names selected for the summer.

“I’m really proud of everything we’ve achieved and hopefully I can continue to be part of it.”

Brosnan is now back on site at Finch Farm as the squad prepare for back-to-back away matches, the first against Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday.

The Seagulls are currently bottom of the Women’s Super League, but the Blues shot-stopper knows how desperate they will be to move back up the table.

“This league never fails to surprise me,” she added.

“On paper you have a lot of squads that look really good but might not perform.

“Then you have squads you might not think would do that well, then they perform week in and week out.

“It just shows the quality in this league and how any team can get a result.

“We know that about Brighton, we know the quality they have. 

“The fact they are playing in a FA Cup semi-final this weekend proves that point.

“When teams are at the bottom, they fight, they are desperate to get points on the board. 

“They want to climb up the table, but so do we. Even if we’re a bit higher up, we want to put our best foot forward and show what we’re capable of.

“It’ll be really important for us to put in a strong performance because they’ll be up for it.”