Trinity Rodman proves star credentials on goalscoring return to US women’s team

Trinity Rodman made a dream return to the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) on Saturday, scoring just five minutes into a 2-0 win over Brazil. It was her first appearance for the national side since last year’s Olympic gold medal match.

The 22-year-old had been sidelined for nearly eight months after aggravating a chronic back issue during a Washington Spirit match in September.

But she showed no signs of rust, calmly slotting the ball into the bottom right corner from about 10 yards out after a great run and pass from Alyssa Thompson. Rodman then playfully pretended to hurt her back again as part of her goal celebration.

“The medical staff was panicking, but I had to do it,” Rodman said with a smile, according to the AP. “It felt amazing to be back in this environment, with the team. The stadium was unreal.”

Head coach Emma Hayes, however, wasn’t thrilled with the prank at first.

“I honestly thought it was real,” she admitted, per AP. “I turned to the physios and said, ‘She’s hurt again.’ Then I realized she was messing with us. I’ll definitely be having a word with her!”

Rodman, a native of Orange County, clearly enjoyed returning to international play in front of 32,303 fans at SoFi Stadium — the first women’s professional sports event ever held there. Fellow Californian Alyssa Thompson also impressed, not only assisting Rodman’s goal but nearly scoring herself in the 17th minute. Just minutes later, Ally Sentnor came close as well after another great play from Thompson, but was denied by Brazil’s goalkeeper Lorena.

Brazil came out strong in the second half, hitting the crossbar twice in the opening six minutes — first through Ludmila, then Giovana Queiroz.

But it was the U.S. who found the back of the net again in the 66th minute. Team captain Lindsey Heaps confidently scored from the penalty spot after Lily Yohannes was brought down in the box by Ludmila.

The match also marked a successful debut for goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, who made six saves to secure a clean sheet.

“I think this game really shows the progress of our group,” Heaps said, per AP. “There aren’t big gaps between players anymore. These young players coming in… it’s so exciting for all of us to witness.”

After this Olympic final rematch, the two teams are set to face off once more on Tuesday, April 8, in the second game of the two-match friendly series