Trinity Rodman made a triumphant return to the U.S. women’s national team with a goal in the 2-0 victory against Brazil in a friendly in Inglewood, Calif., on Saturday.
Rodman scored in the fifth minute and Lindsey Heaps added a penalty kick in the 66th.
Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce made six saves in her USWNT debut. The 28-year-old plays for Manchester United.
Rodman has been plagued by chronic back problems and had not worn the U.S. uniform since the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal match vs. Brazil on Aug. 20.
She scored her 11th goal thanks to the footwork of Alyssa Thompson. Starting her dribble at midfield, she slalomed the Brazilians before spotting Rodman cutting at the top of the box.
Rodman took the first touch, then used the outside of her right foot to flick the ball into the right corner.
She was taken out in the 61st minute.
The U.S. had two chances around the 20-minute mark but Lorena first denied Thompson then Allyson Sentnor off a Thompson set up.
Tullis-Joyce’s best save was in the 50th minute, getting a hand on a shot by Giovana from the right side to push it over the crossbar.
Breathing room came for the U.S. when Lily Yohannes, who had entered the match three minutes earlier, drew a foul from Ludmila at the top of the box. From the spot, Heaps ripped a shot to the upper left for her 37th goal.
Lorena prevented another goal with a reaction save on a close shot by Thompson in the 74th minute. She had 10 saves.
Defender Avery Patterson made her USWNT debut in the 88th minute.
This was the first meeting since the U.S. won 1-0 in the gold medal match. The teams will meet again Tuesday in San Jose, Calif.
–Field Level Media
