United States forward Trinity Rodman scored for the second straight match during a dominant 5-0 victory over Chile at Santa Barbara’s Harder Stadium on Tuesday, where she participated in a viral goal celebration dance alongside head coach Emma Hayes.
Rodman’s goal sealed a lopsided outcome, which also featured the first international goals from Croix Bethune, Jameese Joseph, and Emily Sams, extending the USWNT’s winning streak to six matches.
“She said, you are doing it tonight,” Hayes recalled to TNT Sports regarding Rodman’s eagerness to celebrate if she scored.
“I thought, you know what? The game’s comfortable. Trin’s not going to score tonight. It’s a crowded box, and the moment she chopped inside, if you’d have seen, if you had panned towards me before that, my head was in my hands. I was dying. But listen, these players keep me young. I’m not complaining,” Hayes said, laughing.
Hit the celly 💃 pic.twitter.com/yIjnynbaD8
— U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) January 28, 2026
Before Rodman took the field in the 64th minute, the USWNT led 4-0, thanks to goals from Bethune, Joseph, Sams, and Emma Sears. After a 6-0 win against Paraguay last weekend, Hayes debuted a new lineup with an average of just 5.2 national team appearances, marking the lowest since 2001.
“I’m proud of them, I am. I always say this: I’m not focused on the opponent. I’m focused on us. I observe each player executing their roles,” Hayes stated. “I told them before the game, some of you will compete for 2027, some for ’28, some for ’31, but these valuable experiences are crucial for your player development pathways.”
Regarding the 23-year-old Rodman, who recently captained the national team against Paraguay, Hayes offered high praise for the player who has brought “joy” to both the camp and the fanbase.
“I’ve learned throughout my career that you can balance multiple facets. I can be demanding and hold high standards, but I can also smile and enjoy the experience,” said the coach.
“You must know when to switch between the two, but players like Trin bring such joy, not just to our play but to fans, too. She’s an incredible football player and a wonderful person.”
Ahead of the January matches, Rodman made headlines by securing a deal with the Washington Spirit, establishing herself as the highest-paid NWSL player in history.
Regarding the overall USWNT roster, Hayes emphasized her message to the team: a deeper pool of players is now vying for national team call-ups.
“There’s competition for places, and everything you do is important; no one is guaranteed a spot,” insisted the coach.
With European-based players still competing in their seasons, January’s roster consisted entirely of NWSL representatives. Gotham FC, currently in London for the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, also did not have any call-ups.
Looking ahead, Hayes will now start preparations for March’s SheBelieves Cup, while also planning for the qualification process for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
