Trinity Rodman returns from injury, scores game-winning goal for Spirit in first game since April
The 23-year-old forward has been out since April while recovering from an ongoing back injury. But in an emotional return on Sunday, she played hero for the Washington Spirit, scoring a goal in stoppage to send the Spirit over the Portland Thorns.
Rodman came on in the 75th minute, earning a huge cheer from the crowd at Audi Field. And it didn't take long for her to make a difference: In the 92nd minute, Croix Bethune sent the ball to Rodman with wild back-leg pass, and Rodman smashed it home to send the Spirit ahead.
Rodman was immediately emotional after the goal, holding her hands to her face and wiping away tears before being rushed by her team.
That emotion continued after the game, as Rodman spoke on how the return felt following a long and frustrating recovery.
"That was just the hardest thing I've had to go through, with injury and everything," Rodman said postgame, while visibly emotional.
Rodman has only played in four games this season prior to Sunday, with her most recent appearance coming on April 12. But it's also been a while since Rodman was able to bury a goal like that: Sunday's goal was Rodman's first since Sept. 15, 2024.
This story will be updated.
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