playEmma Hayes credits leadership of Trinity Rodman, Claire Hutton (1:08)USWNT manager Emma Hayes talks about Trinity Rodman embracing the captaincy role and adds that Claire Hutton is a captain in the making. (1:08)Jeff CarlisleJan 24, 2026, 09:25 PM ETCloseJeff Carlisle covers MLS and the U. S. national team for ESPN FC. EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsUnited States women's national team coach Emma Hayes heralded a "fresh start" for Trinity Rodman after the forward scored in just her second match since the 2024 Olympics in Saturday's 6-0 rout of Paraguay. The goal for Rodman capped off a memorable week, coming days after she signed a new contract with the Washington Spirit that, according to her agent, makes her the highest-paid women's player in the world. The match in Carson, California, was her first for the U. S.
