Sawt Falasteen - Rodman shines in new-look USA win over China

Rodman had a goal and an assist while Sophia Smith and Lindsey Horan were also on target as the USA enjoyed a positive performance in their first game since the appointment of Englishwoman Emma Hayes as the team's new coach.

Interim coach Twila Kilgore was in charge of the game with Hayes, who is committed to her club Chelsea until the end of the English Women's Super League season in May.

Hayes had been involved in the selection of the roster for the game which saw 10 players from August's ill-fated World Cup squad, including star Alex Morgan, not called up.

The youthful side featured two debutants in the second-half with Olivia Moultrie and Jenna Nighswonger both making their debuts off the bench.

The USA dominated from the outset, going ahead in the eighth minute when Rodman burst down the left and her low cross was turned in by Smith.

After wasting several chances to extend their lead, Horan made it 2-0 when she drifted in a cross from deep on the left and with the goalkeeper distracted by the presence of Shaw, the ball found its way into the far corner of the net.

Rodman then rounded off the win when Midge Purce did well to work space on the edge of the box and found Shaw, whose low cross was tapped in from close range by Rodman.

Rodman said that finally having the identity of a new coach, after the post-World Cup sacking of Vlatko Andonovski, had been a relief for the players.

"The unknown was hard for all of us, because we just didn't know what the future had to hold," she said.

"So Emma being in camp, meeting all of us and finally getting the feel and vibe of what she wants to execute has been really helpful and almost a relief, so we can now get down to the real work," she said.

Midfielder Rose Lavelle, one of those remaining from Andonovski's team, said she had enjoyed having new faces in the side.

"It was fun to play with them, it's so exciting to see the youth come in and what they can bring. They all have such different talents but I think it's coming together and it's an exciting time," she said.

P.Tamimi--SF-PST