Trinity Rodman Returns with Goals and Excitement to the Washington Spirit
Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman starred in an emotional return to the field after nearly four months of absence, scoring a crucial goal in the 2-1 victory over the Portland Thorns FC. Rodman entered the match in the 76th minute, receiving a warm ovation from the audience at Audi Field. The match was tied 1-1, but the player proved to be the difference, taking advantage of a loose ball to score a great goal in stoppage time.Rodman’s only match with the United States women’s national team since last summer’s Olympics was on April 5, where she scored a goal and simulated a back injury as part of her celebration. A week later, she was forced to leave the field playing for the Spirit. Rodman underwent evaluation and treatment in London before returning to the Spirit to train in mid-July during the NWSL summer break.“It was the hardest thing I’ve had to overcome with the injury and everything,” Rodman said, holding back tears after the match. “Being back with the team, especially at home, with the stadium and the fans behind me, scoring a goal like that… I knew I wasn’t going to miss. I’m so happy to be back. I missed the team, I missed doing what I love.”
Trinity Rodman
Last week, Rodman stated that she would remain “Trin”, but added that she would be more careful with how she uses her body in the future.“I’ve been crying. I think it was a great moment,” Rodman added about her return. “There were a lot of tears for going through the injury, and then a lot of unknowns. So, being back, knowing that I’m really back and that the problem is solved and now I can come back and work on the things I need and get back to my rhythm.”
Trinity Rodman
Rodman had previously said that his back might not be fully healthy again. Washington coach Adrián González said before the match that the team would be “careful” with managing Rodman’s return. Rodman played through pain in late 2024, when Spirit finished second in the league and runner-up in the playoffs. Rodman has become one of the biggest stars in the NWSL and the USWNT. She is in the final months of her contract, and said earlier this year that a move to Europe is a matter of time.“I’m going to continue to be intense and give it my all 100% of the time, but I think there are parts of my game where I need to conserve energy or adapt to certain entries, and I think I’ve been doing a good job with that so far by retraining,” she stated.
Trinity Rodman
