Reflecting on her comeback to the Republic of Ireland’s squad for the matches against England and France in July, Marissa Sheva confessed she was under the impression her days playing at the international level were over. Being benched during both matches made her question if she would ever increase her tally of seven caps, which she achieved the previous year under Vera Pauw. Despite a struggling club career back in the United States, the 27-year-old kept her spirits alive.
This hardship elucidates her vigorous celebration when she scored her maiden goal for Ireland against Georgia just last Friday. The mere fact of being on the pitch after replacing Lily Agg at 56 minutes championed a triumph; it had been a good 15 months since her last cap in the match against Nigeria at the World Cup.
When asked if she really thought her international tenure was over, the Pennsylvania-born Sheva admitted, “It truly felt like that, although the decision was completely out of my control. You eventually reach a point where you have to accept it and strive to make your mark at the club level. I did not relinquish my hopes completely, but the thought certainly crossed my mind.”
Her limited playing time with Washington Spirit and subsequent separation from the team, compounded with the struggle to establish her presence at Portland Thorns this season, where she didn’t start in any league games and was substitute late in only two of their last nine games, didn’t make things any easier.
However, Marissa’s engagement in a rigorous training programme, as described by Eileen Gleeson, tipped the scales in her favor and led the manager to recall her. “Returning to the group has given me a huge surge of adrenaline,” the Pennsylvania-born shared. “I cherish being here, surrounded by my favorite team.” The support from her colleagues, following a clumsy challenge on her part that led to Australia’s 1-0 victory from a penalty in Ireland’s kick-off World Cup match only bolstered her appreciation for her teammates, despite the backlash she faced online following the incident.
“This team never made me think I needed redemption from that match. I am indebted to them for this score, it’s indeed gratifying to register one on the scoreboard.” She quipped, basking in the glory of Ireland’s impressive 4-0 lead when she netted her goal, well into the additional time. Aoife Mannion later made it a grand six.
“With the girls putting up a solid performance, seizing their opportunities, I made my move, aiming for the goal post when the throw-in opportunity came,” she declared. Preserving her spot in the team raised a few eyebrows, especially with the exclusion of players like Lucy Quinn, the acclaimed Championship player-of-the-month. However, Gleeson felt justified in her decision, considering Sheva’s significant contribution towards the victory.
“She made a stellar impact when she took to the field, discovered perfect niches in the midfield, and sealed it with an impressive goal. Her agility in bridging spaces and closing down the lines is commendable,” Gleeson remarked.
Considering the upcoming leg in Tallaght on Tuesday, Gleeson may lean towards giving Sheva more time on the pitch. However, with what seems to be a rather routine match, several other players, including Ellen Molloy, are vying for their opportunities after watching the game from the sidelines in Tbilisi.
When asked about her prospects of more time on the field, Sheva replied, “I have no expectations whatsoever. I am just thrilled to be back in action.”