Trinity Rodman scored a stoppage-time winner on her return from injury to give Washington Spirit a 2-1 victory over Portland Thorns in the National Women’s Soccer League on Sunday. The 22-year-old, who had not played since 12 April due to a lingering back issue, was introduced as a substitute in the 76th minute to a rapturous reception at Audi Field.
After the final whistle, Rodman buried her head in her hands and sobbed, overwhelmed by emotion. “That was the hardest thing I’ve had to go through, with the injury and everything. So being back, especially at the home stadium with the crowd behind me, scoring a goal like that ... you saw I buried it, was not going to miss it,” she said. “I’m just really happy to be back. I missed the team, I missed doing what I love, so just joy.”
Gift Monday had put the Spirit ahead in the 17th minute, converting a cross from Rosemonde Kouassi for her fifth goal of the season. However, Portland equalised in first-half stoppage time through Olivia Moultrie’s strike from the edge of the box.
The win moved Washington into second place in the standings as the league resumed after a six-week summer break. The Thorns, who had won their last two matches before the break, slipped to 6-4-4.
In other news, Adrián González was named permanent head coach last month after Jonatan Giraldez left for Lyon. Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury set a club record for most minutes played in the second half.
