Match Reports - Senior

IT WAS a first-half to forget for Northern Ireland last night in Chicago as they slumped to a two-nil defeat to Romania.

 

The game - in the world renowned Soldiers Field - marked the end of their short tour of the United States.

 

The Romanians opened the scoring after just seven minutes through Tiberiu Balan after Daniel Nicolae burst into the penalty area before cutting the ball back.

 

And it was Nicolae himself who added a second barely four minutes later after yet another Romanian surge forward.

 

Lawrie Sanchez's side did attempt something of a comeback after this double-whammy with Gareth McAuley and Peter Thompson both coming close.

 

Worse was to follow seven minutes from the break when Northern Ireland were reduced to ten men following James Quinn's dismissal for a reckless challenge.

 

Despite being a man down it was Northern Ireland who looked the brighter after the interval.

 

McAuley had another on-target attempt as did Dean Shiels but on both occasions Romanian 'keeper Cohan Danut was well placed to deal with the danger.

 

At the other end Alan Blayney saved with his legs after Ruga Mugure found himself clear while later efforts from Cristian Chivu were also kept out.