Washington Spirit and U.S. national team forward Trinity Rodman left Friday night’s NWSL match against the Kansas City Current in a wheelchair as she dealt with visible pain, a scary moment for the star player.
Sending love to Trinity Rodman 💛
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) September 21, 2024
Rodman, a key figure in helping the USWNT win Olympic gold in Paris this summer, was subbed off in the 78th minute after contact with Current’s Tabitha Chawinga minutes earlier. Images from the match showed Rodman being wheeled off with a towel over her head.
She later returned to the bench with an ice pack on her back, a positive sign for the 22-year-old striker with a history of back issues in her career.
The clash with Chawinga appeared to be subtle. Rodman, however, has battled back spasms since her rookie season in 2021, suggesting the injury Friday may be a recurring setback from the lingering injury.
Following the match, Spirit coach Jonatan Giráldez had little to share about Rodman’s condition, saying it was too soon to tell.
“I have no information now,” Giráldez said. “Tri was on the bench in the end. She felt something in her back. .. But I have no information. Now is too soon. We have to come back tomorrow to Washington, and let’s see there what happened and what is the availability for the players to play games in Los Angeles next week.”
The Spirit ended Friday’s match at CPKC Stadium in a 3-0 loss, with the Current clinching a spot in the NWSL playoffs. Rodman’s absence would be a devastating blow for the Spirit, who currently sit second in the league table.
The Spirit return to action next week, when they face Angel City FC in Los Angeles on Friday.
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(Photo: Tim Nwachukwu / Getty Images)
