Trinity Rodman: MCL injury sidelines her from USWNT and NWSL Playoffs

Trinity Rodman, out due to injury: When will the star of women’s soccer return?

The forward for the United States national team and the Washington Spirit, Trinity Rodman, is suffering from a Grade 1 medial collateral ligament (MCL) sprain. Washington Spirit coach Adrian Gonzalez confirmed that the player will be out of the fields for an indefinite period. There is no defined timeframe for her return, which creates uncertainty about her participation in the upcoming matches of the United States women’s national team against Portugal and New Zealand. The technical staff of the US selection has not yet confirmed Rodman’s absence for the concentration. Coach Gonzalez could not specify whether the player will miss matches with the national team. The situation is especially delicate, as the playoffs of the NWSL will begin in three weeks. Rodman is one of the key figures of the Washington Spirit, a team that recently secured second place in the standings.

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Rodman’s injury occurred on Wednesday, a few hours after his return to the national team was announced following a six-month absence. Coach Emma Hayes expressed her enthusiasm for having Rodman back on the team. Rodman last played with the U.S. national team on April 5. “She’s one of the best players in the world, and we’ve had to play without her for more than a year,” Hayes stated.

Trinity Rodman reacts after getting injured and leaving the field in the first half of the Washington Spirit against Monterrey match.

The player was taken off the field in tears during the 4-0 victory over Monterrey in the Concacaf W Champions Cup, unable to support her right leg. Subsequently, she was seen with crutches and a full knee brace.

“She is at the facilities today starting rehabilitation; she is doing well. The results we obtained are the best-case scenario. Obviously, an injury is not always a good situation. It’s not as serious as it could be. She is starting rehabilitation now.

Gonzalez

Rodman will begin rehabilitation immediately. Her status for the NWSL playoffs is uncertain. There are still two matches left in the regular season, and the playoffs begin on November 7. The NWSL final will be played on November 22. Rodman has dealt with a back injury for over a year. His appearance with the US national team in April, where he scored in the sixth minute in the 2-0 victory over Brazil, is his only international participation since the Olympic final in August 2024. The Spirit secured second place in the playoffs of the NWSL for the second consecutive season. Last year, the team finished second in the regular season and was runner-up to Orlando Pride in the NWSL championship. Coach Gonzalez emphasized the importance of an individualized approach to player care. “Right now, we need to focus on day-to-day, try to help her recover, heal as best as possible, and see how she progresses each day.” The United States will play against Portugal on October 23 in Chester, Pennsylvania, and again on October 26 in East Hartford, Connecticut. The US team will finish this stage against New Zealand in Kansas City on October 29.