Inglewood, Calif. — Trinity Rodman wasted no time making her mark in her long-awaited return, scoring just five minutes into the match as the U.S. Women’s National Team earned a 2-0 victory over Brazil on Saturday in a friendly at SoFi Stadium — a rematch of last summer’s Olympic gold-medal clash.
Team captain Lindsey Heaps added a second-half penalty to secure the win for the Americans, who bested Brazil 2-1 in the Paris Olympics to claim their fifth gold medal. Saturday’s showdown marked the first of two friendlies between the sides in California this week.
Rodman, a 22-year-old forward and Orange County native, showcased her scoring touch after being sidelined for eight months with back injuries. Her goal — her 11th in international play — came after an electric run by Alyssa Thompson, who sliced through the Brazilian defense before setting Rodman up for a calm finish.
Rodman celebrated with a playful nod to her injury woes, grabbing her lower back in mock pain before flipping her pink hair with a grin — though later in the half she appeared to experience some discomfort for real. She played until the 61st minute before being subbed off.
Making her national team debut, goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce impressed with six saves, earning a shutout in front of 32,303 fans. The match was notable as the first-ever professional women’s sporting event at the nearly five-year-old SoFi Stadium, home to the NFL’s Los Angeles Rams.
The two teams will meet again on Tuesday night in San Jose.
Saturday’s victory also served as a bounce-back for the U.S. after their recent 2-1 loss to Japan in the SheBelieves Cup final — the first defeat under coach Emma Hayes, who took charge in June 2024. Prior to that setback, the U.S. women had gone unbeaten in 17 matches (15 wins, 2 draws).
The Americans struck early in this one with a memorable play from Thompson, the Studio City product, who weaved through defenders before setting up Rodman for the opener.
Despite missing 13 players from their Olympic roster due to injuries, retirements, and personal reasons, the U.S. squad delivered a strong performance, though Brazil created dangerous moments that forced Tullis-Joyce to stay busy.
In the 64th minute, substitute Lily Johannes earned a penalty after being tripped in the box moments after releasing a pass. Heaps converted the spot kick with confidence for her 37th international goal.
The U.S. defense, already depleted by injuries, saw Emily Sonnett and Tara McKeown step in as center backs with Naomi Girma (calf injury) and Tierna Davidson (ACL tear) sidelined for the foreseeable future.
This match adds to an exciting stretch of international soccer for Los Angeles, following Mexico’s recent CONCACAF Nations Cup triumph at SoFi Stadium. The venue is set to host matches in the 2026 Men’s World Cup, including the U.S. Men’s opening game, while the 2028 Olympics will feature soccer matches at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
Looking ahead, the U.S. is also positioned to host the 2031 Women’s World Cup as part of a CONCACAF-led bid.
