Carson, California — The U.S. women’s national soccer team is set to kick off the year with its first match featuring winger Trinity Rodman, who is returning from an MCL sprain and recently secured a groundbreaking club contract. Head coach Emma Hayes has assembled a roster of 26 players for this year’s January camp, which includes two games: one against Paraguay on Saturday, followed by a matchup against Chile on Tuesday. Many players on the roster are relatively new and have limited training time together, though several, including Rodman, were part of Hayes’ gold medal squad from the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Rodman joined the camp as a free agent while contract discussions were underway, but she signed a historic deal just before the announcement.
Viewing Details for USWNT vs. Paraguay:
- Date: Saturday, January 24th
- Time: 5:30 PM (EST)
- Location: Dignity Health Sports Park, Carson, CA
- TV Channel: TNT
- Streaming: HBO Max
Coach Emma Hayes has affirmed that Rodman will assume the captaincy for the first game, quelling speculation about her involvement after a significant absence from the national team. Hayes emphasized her discussions with Rodman regarding expectations and leadership responsibilities, especially during this transitional phase for the team.
“The importance of each camp is the same,” Hayes remarked, reiterating her commitment to treating every match with the intensity of a World Cup final. While the current roster may differ from typical selections, it presents valuable development opportunities for players aiming to secure spots on the team for upcoming tournaments, including the 2026 Concacaf W Championship which serves as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Additionally, a special event will honor retired player Kristen Press during this January camp, recognizing her contributions to the team. Hayes praised Press as a trailblazer in women’s soccer, noting that she had a formidable presence on the field.
Editorial Opinion: The return of Trinity Rodman and the tribute to Kristen Press highlight the evolving landscape of women’s soccer in the U.S. Fans should pay close attention, as these developments signify both the continuation of a legacy and the emergence of new talent ready to make their mark on the international stage.
