Washington Spirit’s Trinity Rodman Questionable for NWSL Quarterfinal

LEESBURG, Va. — Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman has been deemed questionable for Saturday’s NWSL quarterfinal as she continues her recovery from a sprained MCL sustained last month.

During the Spirit’s training session on Friday, Rodman did not participate in the initial 30 minutes, which was open to media. Instead, she was seen in the gym before rejoining her teammates on the field towards the end of practice, as confirmed by a team spokesperson.

The U.S. women’s national team star has been officially listed as questionable for the upcoming quarterfinal against the seventh-seeded Racing Louisville FC, according to the league’s availability report.

In remarks earlier in the day, Spirit head coach Adrián González refrained from providing a definitive update on Rodman’s status. He mentioned that both Rodman and other players have been assessed on a “day by day” basis and that he intended to consult with the medical staff later on Friday for an accurate diagnosis.

“The only thing with Trin is she’s been doing great,” González stated. “I’m optimistic that she’s checking all the boxes. Mentally, she is in a good place, and physically, she is improving. She has shown great commitment to her recovery and is doing everything possible to be in the best shape.”

After the practice session, Rodman was unavailable for comment.

The Spirit have secured the No. 2 seed in the playoffs for the second consecutive year. Should they defeat playoff newcomers Louisville on Saturday at Audi Field in Washington, D.C., they will host a semifinal match next week against either the Portland Thorns or San Diego Wave.

Spirit midfielder Hal Hershfelt emphasized the team’s focused mentality, stating, “We want to fight and we’re hungry. We’re not just coming in thinking we should win because of our status. Our approach is about being relentless, regardless of who we face in the playoffs.”

On Friday, González highlighted the necessity for the Spirit to maintain a compact defensive structure and to secure second balls to avoid getting caught in transition, a style of play favored by Louisville.

Washington may need to navigate the match without Rodman, who has recorded five goals and two assists in just nine games this season. Rodman injured her right MCL on October 15 during Washington’s 4-0 victory over Monterrey in the Concacaf W Champions Cup, which secured the Spirit’s berth in next year’s continental semifinals.

She left the field in distress and was later seen using crutches and wearing a full knee brace. González described the MCL sprain as “the best scenario” considering initial concerns that the injury might be more severe.

Prior to her injury, Rodman was named to her first U.S. roster in six months. U.S. women’s national team head coach Emma Hayes expressed excitement about Rodman’s return, calling her “one of the best players in the world.”

Unfortunately, Rodman was unable to join the national team and has only appeared in one match since contributing to the U.S. Olympic gold medal victory in the summer of 2024. Her recurring back injury has limited her appearances with the USWNT over the past year, impacting her performance in last year’s playoffs as well.

Rodman had remarked post the Spirit’s loss to the Orlando Pride in the 2024 NWSL Championship that it was “not an excuse, but I wasn’t the Trin that I wanted to be that day.”

In March, she expressed concern that her back might never fully recover. However, her departure from the Spirit’s team environment to focus on rehabilitation in London has resulted in a more complete recovery and a more positive outlook.

Rodman returned to the pitch on August 3 after nearly four months of absence, scoring a dramatic game-winning goal off the bench. Speaking to ESPN post-match, she reflected on the emotional significance of that moment, saying, “That was just the hardest thing I’ve had to go through with injury and everything.”

Rodman is recognized as one of the NWSL’s rising stars and is set to be out of contract at the end of 2025. She has expressed interest in potentially playing overseas, indicating that it is only a matter of time.

In their regular-season finale on Sunday, the Spirit had only three healthy field players available off the bench during a 1-0 loss to Utah. At the Inova Performance Complex on Friday, 18 field players participated in the open portion of training, although Rodman, Croix Bethune (thigh), Leicy Santos (illness), and Deborah Abiodun (ankle) were not present.

“We’ve got a big bench now and we’re excited,” Spirit defender Tara McKeown stated after Friday’s practice. “Everyone is ready to go and thrilled to be playing at home in front of our fans at Audi Field.”