Trinity Rodman took the field for the first time in almost four months, and she wasted no time scoring the game-winning goal in stoppage time.
Rodman, who dealt with a lingering back injury, last played for the Washington Spirit on April 12 and returned to action on Friday against the Portland Thorns in a 2-1 victory. The 23-year-old forward subbed in the 75th minute when the score was tied 1-1. Two minutes into stoppage time, Rodman slammed a right-footed shot high into the far post. She was assisted by fellow USWNT player Croix Bethune, who sent a touch pass to Rodman on the right side of the box.
Rodman didn’t initially celebrate like a player might typically do. Instead, she took a second to process the weight of the moment, cupping her hands over her mouth in shock before her teammates flocked to her. It was emotional for Rodman to not only return to the field — but score too — after months of rehab.
“That was the hardest thing I’ve had to go through with the injury and everything,” Rodman said after the match, fighting back tears. “Being back, especially at the home stadium with the crowd behind me, scoring a goal like that. You saw I buried it; I was not going to miss it. I’m just really happy to be back. I miss the team., I miss doing what I love.”
It was Rodman’s first NWSL goal since last season in a victory over the Houston Dash on Sept. 15, 2024. Before Friday, she’d most recently scored for the National Team when she played her first and only match of 2025 thus far on April 5 against Brazil. That time, she also scored fast – in the sixth minute of action.
With the win, the Washington Spirit sit No. 3 in the league, tied in record and points with second-place Orlando Pride.
