Rodman captains USWNT in 6-0 friendly win over Paraguay as new faces shine

The U.S. women’s national team opened its 2026 schedule with a dominant 6-0 friendly win over Paraguay in Carson, California, powered by a wave of second-half goals and a confident performance from a roster featuring both stars and emerging players.

Trinity Rodman scored in her first match serving as captain, a milestone that came soon after she signed a major contract extension with the Washington Spirit. Rodman’s goal helped punctuate a surge that turned the match into a rout, reinforcing her role as one of the program’s central figures.

Ally Sentnor scored twice, while Reilyn Turner found the net in her national team debut, providing a sharp reminder of the depth being developed ahead of upcoming competitive cycles. Emma Sears also scored, and Paraguay conceded an own goal as the U.S. attack repeatedly broke through.

The match took place during the January training camp window, which did not include Europe-based U.S. players. The camp format made the game an important evaluation opportunity, and the lopsided result offered encouraging signs about the team’s next generation of attackers.

Beyond the on-field performance, the night included recognition for recently retired forward Christen Press, whose national team career spanned multiple major tournaments and included World Cup titles and an Olympic medal. The tribute added emotional weight to a match that also served as a fresh start for the new year.

The U.S. will continue its January slate with another friendly, using the short camp to test combinations, build chemistry, and push competition within the squad. For Rodman and the group around her, the opener delivered both goals and a clear statement of intent.