Trinity Rodman celebrates ‘new beginning’ by scoring in her return to the USWNT.
Emma Hayes, head coach of the United States women’s national team, celebrated a “fresh start” for Trinity Rodman after the forward netted a goal in only her second match since the 2024 Olympics during Saturday’s 6-0 victory over Paraguay.
Rodman’s goal marked a significant week for her, occurring shortly after she finalized a new contract with the Washington Spirit, which her agent claims makes her the highest-paid female player globally.
The contest in Carson, California, was her first appearance for the U.S. since a 2-0 friendly victory against Brazil last April, which was her sole international match in 2025 due to back and knee injuries.
“I’m pleased for her, I truly am,” Hayes remarked. “It has been a challenging year, as we know. And she is prepared to advance, which I believe today signifies that this is a new year. It’s a new beginning for her.
“She feels settled and happy. I think understanding her future has lifted a significant burden off her shoulders.”
Rodman was a constant threat on the right side throughout the match, and her goal in the 56th minute came after she received a pass from defender Tara Rudd, maneuvered inside, and placed her shot just inside the near post. Following her goal, she celebrated with a dance that she attempted, but did not succeed, in getting Hayes to replicate on the U.S. sideline.
“During the entire game, I was telling Tara, ‘Please, play one over the top. Come on, we can do this,'” Rodman stated in a post-match interview on the TNT broadcast.
“And then she had so much time again, and I finally called for it, played a perfect little ball, cut it back, and when it went in, I thought, ‘Alright, it’s my moment to shine.’
The U.S. maintained control from beginning to end, but the finishing touch was hard to find in the first half until Reilyn Turner — one of three players making their USWNT debut — scored in first-half stoppage time.
This sparked a flurry of goals in the second half, with Ally Sentnor scoring twice, while Rodman, Emma Sears, and a Fiorella Martínez own-goal contributed to the USWNT’s tally.
Hayes pointed out that the team is essentially in preseason, which accounts for some of the rust displayed by the players, including Rodman.
Additionally, the match was significant as Rodman was appointed captain for the game. Hayes noted that Rodman performed well in the role for the 63 minutes she was on the pitch, as did Claire Hutton, who took over as captain after Rodman left the match.
“People appreciate responsibility,” Hayes explained. “So granting them that was only going to enhance their performances because they care about the team, they care about the crest, and I believe [Rodman] did an excellent job of upholding our customs and traditions, and scoring a goal and finishing like that is always wonderful for the fans.
“She understands how crucial it is to deliver for our supporters.”
The U.S. will compete against Chile on Tuesday in Santa Bárbara, California, and Hayes is eager to see the team enhance their performance from Saturday.
“I think given the amount of possession we managed to have in the first half, the decision-making in the final third, and the execution in that area was where we fell short,” Hayes noted.
“So I think concentrating on that is vital. I believe we do work the ball into the appropriate areas. I think just perfecting that last part … I also think that aspect takes the longest, and with it being only a week into preseason, I mean six goals isn’t too bad for their first match.”
