U.S. women’s national team star Trinity Rodman exited the Washington Spirit’s game on Wednesday due to an undisclosed leg injury and will undergo scans on Thursday to assess its severity. Rodman left in the 41st minute during the Spirit’s 4-0 victory against Monterrey in the Concacaf W Champions Cup, collapsing after an attempted tackle. She was helped by team staff but could not bear weight on her right leg as she departed the field, later appearing with crutches and a knee brace.
The specifics of her injury remain unclear.
“We need to wait until tomorrow,” said Spirit coach Adrian Gonzalez after the match. “She’s going to get scanned tomorrow, and we will have more information.”
This injury coincided with Rodman’s first call-up to the USWNT since April, after she had been recuperating from a chronic back issue. Since her return, she has notably contributed to the Spirit with seven goals and two assists across competitions.
The USWNT’s upcoming friendlies this month include two matches against Portugal on October 23 and 26, and a match against New Zealand on October 29. The Spirit have two remaining NWSL regular-season games as they head into the playoffs, having secured second place and home-field advantage in the postseason, starting on November 7.
Who might fill Rodman’s role on the USWNT?
In Rodman’s potential absence, head coach Emma Hayes has a roster of players ready to step up and perform against Portugal and New Zealand. Over the past year, Hayes has given many emerging talents opportunities, some of whom have made it onto this month’s roster after showcasing their skills.
For Rodman’s usual position on the right wing, there are several adept candidates available: Michelle Cooper, Ally Sentnor, Yazmeen Ryan, and Emma Sears.
Both Ryan and Sentnor have been standout performers, while Cooper and Sears have contributed significantly in their appearances. With three games lined up this month, all of these players will have opportunities to shine as competition for playing time in the USWNT’s offense intensifies.
