Trinity Rodman heralded a ‘fresh start’ by scoring in her return to the United States women’s national team, leading a 6-0 rout of Paraguay in a friendly match on Saturday, January 24, 2026. The goal came just days after she signed a record-breaking contract with the Washington Spirit, solidifying her status as one of soccer’s top stars.
The match took place at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, where the USWNT dominated from the outset. Despite a slow start in the first half, the team exploded for five goals in the second half, with Rodman finding the net in the 56th minute. Coach Emma Hayes emphasized the significance of the performance, calling it a symbolic fresh start for Rodman after a challenging year marked by injuries.
Rodman, who was named captain for the match, showcased her skill by collecting a pass from defender Tara Rudd, cutting inside, and firing a shot just inside the near post. Her celebration included a dance that she jokingly tried to get Hayes to mimic on the sidelines. In a post-match interview, Rodman expressed her excitement, stating, ‘It’s my time to shine,’ highlighting her confidence after securing her future with the Spirit.
The victory was bolstered by contributions from other players, including Ally Sentnor, who scored twice, and Reilyn Turner, who netted a goal in her national team debut. Emma Sears also added to the scoreline, while an own goal from Paraguay’s Fiorella Martínez contributed to the lopsided result. Hayes noted that the team, largely composed of NWSL players in preseason, showed rust but improved as the game progressed.
Rodman’s return is particularly noteworthy given her recent contract saga. On Thursday, she agreed to a three-year deal with the Washington Spirit, reportedly making her the highest-paid women’s player in the world. Hayes praised this development, calling it a ‘monumental achievement for the NWSL’ and expressing relief that Rodman’s future is settled, which she believes will benefit the national team.
The match served as a warm-up for the USWNT’s upcoming friendly against Chile on Tuesday in Santa Barbara. Hayes indicated that the team needs to refine its finishing in the final third, but she was overall pleased with the six-goal output. She also highlighted the leadership shown by Rodman and Claire Hutton, who took over as captain after Rodman was substituted.
This performance sets a positive tone for the USWNT as they build towards future competitions, including the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Rodman’s resurgence, coupled with the emergence of young talents like Sentnor and Turner, suggests a promising era for American women’s soccer. The ability to retain top players like Rodman in the NWSL is seen as crucial for the league’s growth and competitiveness.
In conclusion, Rodman’s goal and the team’s dominant win underscore a renewed sense of optimism for the USWNT. With Hayes at the helm and key players returning to form, the squad is poised to continue its legacy of success on the international stage.
