Trinity Rodman scored a goal in her return to the U.S. women's national team. The team beat Paraguay 6-0.
Trinity Rodman made a strong impact in the match against Paraguay. Defender Tara Rudd sent a high ball forward. Rodman controlled it with one touch. She moved past a defender and shot the ball through their legs. The goal excited the crowd in Carson, California.
This was Rodman's first goal for the national team in nearly a year. It was also her first while wearing the captain's armband. After the game, she said she had asked Rudd to make that play. "When it went in, I was like, 'All right, it’s my time to shine,'" she said.
The U.S. team won 6-0. They had some nerves in the first half but played better after halftime. Reilyn Turner scored the first goal on her debut. Ally Sentnor scored two goals. Emma Sears added one. Paraguay scored an own goal.
Coach Emma Hayes said the team had little experience. Many players were in preseason. She praised how they handled the game. "There was a lot of inexperience for us, but I thought the team handled themselves really well," she said.
Rodman had a hard year with injuries. She recently signed a new contract with the Washington Spirit. It makes her one of the top-paid players in women's soccer. Hayes said Rodman was ready to play and had a dance planned for her goal.
The team is getting ready for more matches. They will play Chile soon. Hayes said the roster will change as they prepare for World Cup qualifiers later this year.
