USWNT opens 2026 with 6-0 friendly win over Paraguay as Rodman returns and Sentnor scores twice
The U.S. women’s national team began 2026 with a convincing friendly victory in Carson, California, featuring a debut goal from Reilyn Turner, a brace from Ally Sentnor and a scoring return for Trinity Rodman.
A dominant start to 2026
The United States Women’s National Team opened its 2026 slate with a 6-0 friendly win over Paraguay at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, California, according to a report by the Times Union. The match showcased both established stars and emerging talent as the U.S. controlled the game from start to finish. ([timesunion.com](https://www.timesunion.com/sports/article/uswnt-game-paraguay-trinity-rodman-christen-press-21311555.php?utm_source=openai))
Reilyn Turner scored just before halftime in her first international appearance and first start, setting the tone for a second-half surge. The U.S. increased pressure after the break, turning sustained possession into a sequence of chances and goals. ([timesunion.com](https://www.timesunion.com/sports/article/uswnt-game-paraguay-trinity-rodman-christen-press-21311555.php?utm_source=openai))
Ally Sentnor scored twice, while Trinity Rodman returned from injury, captained the side, and also found the net. Additional scoring came via Emma Sears and an own goal credited to Paraguay, rounding out a lopsided final score. ([timesunion.com](https://www.timesunion.com/sports/article/uswnt-game-paraguay-trinity-rodman-christen-press-21311555.php?utm_source=openai))
What it signals for the year ahead
The report described the U.S. as dominating possession and outshooting Paraguay heavily, a statistical reflection of the team’s territorial control and ability to sustain attacks. For head coach Emma Hayes, such matches provide a testing ground for squad rotation and for integrating newer players into a system designed for major tournaments. ([timesunion.com](https://www.timesunion.com/sports/article/uswnt-game-paraguay-trinity-rodman-christen-press-21311555.php?utm_source=openai))
The match also included tributes related to Christen Press, who retired in 2025 after a long international career, underscoring a generational transition happening alongside results. With younger players contributing immediately, the U.S. appears to be widening its options for upcoming competitive windows. ([timesunion.com](https://www.timesunion.com/sports/article/uswnt-game-paraguay-trinity-rodman-christen-press-21311555.php?utm_source=openai))
Looking forward, the Times Union report noted the U.S. would next face Chile and later Japan in April, continuing a schedule that mixes development opportunities with high-level tests. Performances like Rodman’s return and Sentnor’s finishing give the coaching staff concrete evidence about roles, chemistry, and depth. ([timesunion.com](https://www.timesunion.com/sports/article/uswnt-game-paraguay-trinity-rodman-christen-press-21311555.php?utm_source=openai))
For fans, the biggest takeaway is momentum: a comfortable win can’t predict tournament outcomes, but it can reveal sharpness, confidence in the attack, and whether less-experienced players can deliver under international match conditions. ([timesunion.com](https://www.timesunion.com/sports/article/uswnt-game-paraguay-trinity-rodman-christen-press-21311555.php?utm_source=openai))