Rodman and Sams Shine in USWNT’s Recent Matches

omidbasir- The return of Rodman to the pitch for the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) significantly elevated her profile, as she scored two goals in the recent matches, bringing her total to 13 goals for the national team. Despite appearing somewhat rusty—an understandable outcome given the timing of the games and her limited preparation time—Rodman’s prowess was evident.

In Saturday’s match against Paraguay, Rodman donned the captain’s armband and exuded confidence, especially after securing a lucrative multi-million dollar contract with the Washington Spirit just two days prior. Her remarkable skills, combined with her entertaining style of play, make her a crucial asset to the USWNT. A memorable moment was when Rodman inspired her teammate Hayes to join her in a lively dance, exemplifying her influential presence within the squad.

While the position of outside winger is highly competitive within the USWNT, Rodman stands out due to her fearless approach and goal-scoring capability. At only 23 years old, she is emerging as a veteran leader among a new generation of players.

Emily Sams, who has consistently demonstrated leadership—both as a stalwart in the Orlando Pride’s defense and during her collegiate career at Florida State—took on a new challenge by captaining the USWNT. In her recent start, she not only led the team but also contributed with an assist and scored her first goal for the national team.

With established center-backs Naomi Girma and Emily Sonnett often filling the defensive lineup, securing a position can be challenging. However, Sams has made a strong case for her inclusion in future discussions regarding the center-back role.

“Over the past year and a half, I’ve dedicated myself to learning from experienced players like Lindsey [Heaps], Emily [Sonnett], and Rose [Lavelle], who know what it takes to be successful on this team,” Sams stated. “I feel truly honored and excited to have captained the match.”

Sams’ trajectory indicates she is ready for more significant challenges, and her upcoming move to Angel City in the NWSL presents an opportunity for further advancement in her career.

“I believe she can elevate her game to the next level,” Hayes remarked. “She is definitely on the verge of a breakthrough.”

Hayes also emphasized that effective leadership does not always manifest through vocal expressions.

“Leadership can take many forms,” Hayes mentioned after the game. “Emily Sams exemplifies this by leading through her actions. She is a compassionate and dedicated teammate, reminiscent of Emily Sonnett. Although she may not have many caps yet, she is always prepared, values her training, prioritizes the team, and embodies a quiet yet impactful presence within the program.”

Ally Sentnor has consistently showcased her finishing skills. Throughout this camp and previous ones, she has displayed impressive composure and efficiency in front of goal.

Her versatility is invaluable; comfortable in both midfield and forward positions, Sentnor excelled in her role as a striker against Paraguay, scoring twice and helping propel the USWNT to a commanding 6-0 victory.

These two goals brought her senior total to six, marking a swift ascent in international play. At just 21 years old, Sentnor has already earned 14 caps and seven starts, bolstered by her experience with youth national teams. She captained the U.S. Under-20 squad at the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup, where they achieved a commendable third-place finish, and was later recognized as the 2024 U.S. Soccer Young Player of the Year.

Her senior debut came on November 30, 2024, at Wembley Stadium against England, where she showcased her talent in front of over 78,000 fans—a fitting platform for a player who has quickly proven her worth at this level.

“I’m impressed by the dedication shown by everyone,” Hayes commented. “This is a testament to the effectiveness of the Under-23 program.”

Jameese Joseph also took on the No. 9 position in Tuesday’s match, earning her second cap and starting for the first time for the USWNT. Joseph, like Sentnor, represents the young talent from national youth teams stepping into key roles on the senior squad.

Yazmeen Ryan, a speedy and skillful outside player, required a standout performance to solidify her place on a roster filled with talent. Having played only in the second match, she faced pressure to contribute significantly, particularly after scoring in consecutive games in June. However, she was unable to find the net this time, highlighting the necessity for attacking wingers to consistently deliver goals to stand out in such a competitive environment.