Trinity Rodman scores in return as USWNT gets 2-0 result over Brazil

Laken Litman

College Football & Soccer Analyst

Trinity Rodman and captain Lindsey Heaps scored quality goals and the U.S. women’s national team beat Brazil 2-0 in the first of a pair of friendlies on Saturday afternoon at SoFi Stadium.

The USWNT started strong, with Rodman’s goal coming five minutes into the match; Heaps extended the lead when she converted from the spot in the 66th minute. The Americans matched the physicality of Brazil, who hoped to avenge their loss the last time these sides met in the Paris Olympics gold medal match. The U.S. won that final, 1-0.

U.S. coach Emma Hayes said ahead of this game that the April window would feature a lot of experimentation with lineups and player combinations as she works to give younger players more exposures. The starting lineup included a mix of young and veteran players, with Ally Sentnor and Tara McKeown each getting their respective third starts.

There were two debuts, with Hayes starting Phallon Tullis-Joyce in goal and subbing defender Avery Patterson on late. That brings the number to 17 players who have earned their first caps under Hayes.

With the USWNT’s goalkeeper competition still very much wide open, this was an important performance for an inexperienced Tullis-Joyce.

What’s next for the USWNT?

The U.S. and Brazil will play the second match of this doubleheader on Tuesday at PayPal Park in San Jose, Calif.

Laken Litman covers college football, college basketball and soccer for FOX Sports. She previously wrote for Sports Illustrated, USA Today and The Indianapolis Star. She is the author of “Strong Like a Woman,” published in spring 2022 to mark the 50th anniversary of Title IX. Follow her at @LakenLitman.

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