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Jeff Carlisle
Emma Hayes, head coach of the United States women’s national team, celebrated a “fresh start” for Trinity Rodman after she netted a goal in her second match since the 2024 Olympics, contributing to a commanding 6-0 victory against Paraguay.
Rodman’s goal capped off an impressive week for the forward, following her record contract with the Washington Spirit, which her agent claims makes her the highest-paid female player globally.
This match in Carson, California, marked Rodman’s return after a long hiatus, her only previous international appearance in 2025 being a friendly against Brazil earlier in April due to back and knee injuries.
“I’m genuinely happy for her,” said Hayes. “It’s been a tough year for her, and now she’s ready to move on. Today symbolizes a new beginning for her.” Hayes added, “She’s happy and settled now; knowing her future is secure has taken a significant weight off her shoulders.”
Throughout the match, Rodman posed a consistent threat on the right side. Her goal, scored in the 56th minute, came after she received a pass from defender Tara Rudd, cut inside, and placed a shot just inside the near post. Following the goal, Rodman celebrated with a dance she attempted to get Hayes to imitate from the sidelines.
“I kept telling Tara to play one over the top; I knew we could do it,” Rodman reflected in a post-match interview on the TNT broadcast. “When I finally got the ball, I made a great play to cut it back, and as soon as it went in, I thought, ‘Now’s my moment to shine.’
The U.S. team dominated the match, though they struggled to finish in the first half until Reilyn Turner, one of three debutantes, scored in stoppage time.
This opened the floodgates for a barrage of goals in the second half, with Ally Sentnor scoring twice, while Rodman, Emma Sears, and an own goal from Fiorella Martínez also contributed to the scoreline for the USWNT.
Hayes acknowledged that the team is essentially in preseason mode, which contributed to their lack of precision, particularly for Rodman.
Moreover, the match was notable as Rodman served as captain, a role Hayes felt she embraced well during her 63 minutes on the pitch. After Rodman’s departure, Claire Hutton took over the captaincy.
“Players thrive under responsibility,” said Hayes. “Granting them that role adds value to their performance because they care deeply about their team and the crest. Rodman did an excellent job upholding our traditions by scoring a goal and providing a memorable moment for the fans. She understands the significance of delivering for our supporters.”
The U.S. will next face Chile on Tuesday in Santa Barbara, California, with Hayes eager to see improvements from Saturday’s performance.
“Given the possession we had in the first half, we need to work on our decisions and execution in the final third. Those were our shortcomings,” Hayes remarked. “We’re doing well to get into the right areas, but that last part requires refinement. Considering it’s only our first week of preseason, six goals isn’t a bad start.”