Irish American Joe Lapira plays soccer for Ireland

A young inexperienced Irish soccer team drew 1-1 with Equador in the early hours last night.
Steve Staunton's makeshift side earned a spirited draw against Ecuador in New York Giants stadium, with an 11 full team number of players making debuts for Ireland. Kevin Doyle's scored a diving header a minute before half-time to equalize Ecuador's 13th minute opener by Christian Benitez.
In front of more than 20,000 fans, Ireland manager Staunton sent out a side captained by experienced Kevin Kilbane. Seven of the starters won their first caps and three more debutants came off the bench, including American born Joe Lapira. Lapira had only met Staunton and the squad when they arrived in New York at the weekend.
After a shaky start the Irish soccer team played surprisingly well, especially considering their inexperience. Substitutions started to come thick and fast after half time as Staunton handed more debuts to Joe O'Cearuill, Stephen Gleeson and Irish American Lapira. Joe Lapira was the 11th debutant of the night and was the first non-professional international to play for Ireland since 1964.

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Irish American Joe Lapira plays soccer for Ireland