In a venue known for spectacle, the U.S. Women’s National Team delivered a performance worthy of the setting. Trinity Rodman’s early strike and a composed penalty from captain Lindsey Heaps secured a 2-0 victory over Brazil on Saturday in front of 32,303 fans at SoFi Stadium—the first women’s professional sporting event ever held at the state-of-the-art venue.

It was a statement win for a U.S. side navigating a transitional period under head coach Emma Hayes, blending veteran experience with fresh faces. Most notably, the match marked Rodman’s return to international action for the first time since the U.S. claimed gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She wasted no time making her presence felt.

In just the sixth minute, Rodman timed her run perfectly, meeting a through ball from Alyssa Thompson and finishing with the outside of her foot to beat Brazil’s Lorena. The goal was vintage Rodman—explosive, clinical, and full of confidence. She celebrated by pretending to tweak her back, drawing laughs from teammates and some concern from the medical staff, a nod to the injury that had kept her sidelined for months.

“That was the perfect ball to the perfect finish,” Rodman said. “I missed being in this environment. It’s the same vibe, same energy but there’s also a freshness I’m learning to play with.”

Hayes was effusive in her praise for Rodman after the match. “She’s world-class,” the manager said. “That goal meant a lot. She’s been smiling all week just being back in this group.”

The U.S. dominated large stretches of play, outshooting Brazil 16-15 with 12 shots on target and holding 55% possession. But it was a pair of debutantes who helped define the game’s broader narrative.

In goal, 28-year-old Phallon Tullis-Joyce became the 10th keeper in USWNT history to register a shutout in her first cap. Calm, confident, and commanding, she looked every bit the part in a game where Brazil tested her six times on frame.

“She looked like she’s worn the jersey for years,” Hayes said. “At 28, she’s a fast learner and a real professional.”

On the other end of the age spectrum, 17-year-old Lily Yohannes injected spark off the bench. Minutes after coming on, her crafty footwork drew the foul that led to Heaps’ 66th-minute penalty. It was the kind of instant impact Hayes will be hoping for as she continues to evaluate depth ahead of the 2027 World Cup cycle.

The U.S. backline, featuring a makeshift center back pairing in Emily Sonnett and Tara McKeown, held firm despite Brazil’s 15-shot effort. With a second friendly against Brazil looming Tuesday in San Jose, Hayes hinted at further rotation, with Alana Cook and Emily Sams among the potential changes in defense.

But the takeaway from Saturday was clear: the U.S. is beginning to find its rhythm again.

This was a team that scored early, pressed relentlessly, and looked eager to build a new identity without losing the competitive edge that has long defined it. For Hayes and her evolving roster, it was the kind of foundational performance that can anchor a new era.

And if Rodman’s return and Tullis-Joyce’s debut are any indication, the future is already knocking.