Trinity Rodman’s Spectacular Hat-Trick Propels USWNT to Victory—Watch the Highlights

As U.S. women’s soccer gears up for a busy summer, star forward Trinity Rodman’s health has become the biggest storyline surrounding both the Washington Spirit and the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT). Rodman, 23, has been sidelined since mid-April with a recurring lower-back issue that first flared during preseason. On April 19 her club announced she would “step away from team activities indefinitely” while consulting specialists overseas, including a spine clinic in London. Washington Spirit head coach Jonatan Giraldez confirmed the forward remains on the season-ending injury list but emphasized the club “expects her back this summer if rehab stays on schedule”. Why Rodman’s recovery timeline matters • Spirit playoff push: Washington has scored just 0.9 goals per match since Rodman’s absence, down from 1.7 in the first four fixtures. • USWNT Olympic prep: New head coach Emma Hayes wants her available for June friendlies against Japan and England as final tune-ups for Paris. Hayes told reporters she is “encouraged” by Rodman’s progress but will not rush her back, noting the player “may never feel 100 percent” and must learn new load-management habits. • Commercial impact: Rodman’s Nike and Red Bull partnerships rank among the league’s most lucrative; both brands have hinted at summer marketing campaigns tied to her return. Inside the rehab plan According to sources close to the Spirit medical staff, Rodman is following a three-phase protocol: core-strength isolation, low-impact cardio such as anti-gravity treadmill runs, and finally ball work in “controlled-contact” sessions. If she passes a June 10 imaging scan with no disc inflammation, she could be cleared for modified training by mid-June, putting an early July NWSL return in play. Roster ripple effects Rodman’s absence opened minutes for rookie Croix Bethune on the right wing, while the U-23 national team handed a surprise call-up to Trinity’s Spirit teammate Savy King after Hayes shuffled her depth chart. The U.S. attack still features Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson, but analysts note Rodman’s vertical speed is irreplaceable, especially against high back-lines. Long-term outlook Sports-science experts say chronic lumbar pain can shorten a player’s peak by two to three seasons if not managed aggressively. Rodman has already invested in offseason Pilates and altered her running gait to reduce torque, one reason Hayes believes she can still anchor the USWNT’s next cycle. What’s next • June 10: follow-up MRI in London. • June 15-20: possible light sessions with Spirit in Leesburg, Va. • Late June: U.S. camp for Japan/England friendlies; decision on inclusion hinges on medical clearance. • July 6-7: Spirit home stand vs. KC Current could be Rodman’s first match-day squad since April 13. Fans eager for fresh updates should monitor the Spirit’s weekly injury report and USWNT roster announcements. Until then, Trinity Rodman’s road back from injury remains the most watched storyline in American soccer—and a pivotal factor in the Spirit’s title ambitions and the United States’ Olympic hopes.