USA Women’s Soccer Team Dominates Paraguay in Friendly Match

Trinity Rodman, recently signed by the Washington Spirit, found the net in a friendly match as the United States trounced Paraguay 6-0, scoring five of those goals in the second half.

Allie Sentner contributed two goals, while Rylin Turner marked her debut by scoring for the U.S. Emma Sears also netted a goal during the game.

Turner, who plays for the Portland Thorns, scored just before halftime, thanks to an assist from teammate Olivia Moultrie.

Sentner quickly added another goal early in the second half, pushing the Americans ahead 2-0.

After an own goal by Paraguay in the 53rd minute, Rodman, serving as captain, celebrated his 12th international goal in his 48th appearance with a brief dance in front of the U.S. bench.

Sentner scored again in the 57th minute, capping a period where the U.S. scored three times in just four minutes. Sears added the final goal in the 72nd minute.

“I think we were a bit nervous in the first half,” Rodman reflected. “We were rushing things. There was just so much space, and I felt like I was overthinking.”

This match was the first of two for the U.S. to wrap up their January training camp, with a game against Chile scheduled for Tuesday night.

Notably, U.S. players currently competing in Europe were absent from the camp, as they’re still in-season. Players from Gotham were also excluded as they prepare for the final stage of the inaugural Women’s Champions Cup upcoming in London.

In terms of experience, the players who started for the U.S. averaged just 10 caps each. Coach Emma Hayes was working primarily with National Women’s Soccer League players following the offseason.

“With three debutants who have only a couple of caps, there was obviously a lot of inexperience and nervousness,” Hayes noted. “Yet, considering all that, the team managed it well.”

Before the match, the team paid tribute to retired forward Kristen Press, a two-time Women’s World Cup champion with the U.S. and a bronze medalist at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Over her ten-year career with the national team, she played in 155 games, scoring 64 goals and providing 43 assists.

Press, who announced her retirement from professional soccer last October, was pivotal in advocating for equal pay and improving conditions in the NWSL.

Rodman finalized a three-year contract with the Washington Spirit on Thursday, putting an end to speculation regarding her future in the NWSL. The financial aspects of her contract were kept private, but it was touted as “one of the most significant contracts in NWSL history.”

Coach Hayes remarked that retaining Rodman is a “monumental accomplishment for the NWSL.” He emphasized the importance of Rodman’s happiness in Washington, stating, “I think it’s a win for the U.S. national team to know that she’s settled and content here.”