5 goals, 2 assists, and just 9 appearances in a season surely don’t sound like the numbers you’d associate with Trinity Rodman, right? Yet, unfortunately, that’s exactly the case this year, as that’s all the USWNT star has managed to put up. The reason? Injuries, which sadly have been one of the toughest and unluckiest aspects of the 23-year-old winger’s journey, have kept her sidelined for the majority of the time. And now, once again, everyone is left wondering whether Rodman will be available for the Washington Spirit in a crucial, do-or-die NWSL semifinal clash against the Portland Thorns, with the winner booking a spot in the final.

To recap, Trinity Rodman sustained an MCL sprain during the Concacaf W Champions Cup clash against Monterrey on October 15. Since then, she has missed the final two regular-season NWSL games for the Spirit as well as the opening playoff game that the Spirit somehow managed to win with a 3-1 penalty win after a 1-1 draw. Set to face the Thorns in a matter of time, there is a significant update regarding the star winger.

In an official availability list shared by the Washington Spirit before their crucial game, Trinity Rodman was mentioned as “questionable” with her knee injury. Now, before you start making assumptions, we shall tell you that the word questionable can indeed have a lot of meaning. In Trin’s case, she can either be on the bench or not play at all. Though this skepticism might make you upset, hear out a positive update.

Reowned journalist José Mauricio Umaña shared a clip on X where, during the Spirit’s training this morning, before Saturday’s clash at Audi Field, Trinity Rodman was seen warming up with Leicy Santos as well as Tara McKeown together with the entire group. This surely does change the mood of her ardent fans, who must be thinking that she is fine and might even play today, right? Well, it’s all coin toss, honestly.

Sure, seeing her train with a group sounds much better than doing the same alone. But one shall know how tough it has been for Rodman practically this entire season. Having spent the entire first half of the season grappling with a long-term back problem, she remained out for a while, making just off-the-bench appearances. It also made her take a break from playing, even flying to London to receive special treatment.

But just when she felt fine and slowly and steadily made her comeback, the Newport Beach native ended up sustaining yet another setback in the form of a knee injury. So it’s pretty obvious by now that there’s hardly a way Adrian Gonzales would be taking a risk for this game. Practically, the least one can see Rodman is for a few minutes or not at all. Who knows?

The team might be hoping to have her in the final showdown after they progress from this one. Worst case possible, she might not even be available for the final as well if the Spirit does qualify, simply because of not rushing her too quickly. So until at least the start and end of the semifinals, there’s nothing to say. In fact, Trinity is the least of all concerns!

Trinity Rodman is not the sole problem for the Washington Spirit!

The Washington Spirit will also be without several other crucial names. Gabby Carle is sidelined with a thigh injury, a tough blow and an unfortunate setback in what has been a breakout season for her. Ashley Hatch, Casey Krueger, and Andi Sullivan are all unavailable due to maternity leave, while Lyza Jessee remains out with a wrist injury under SEI status. Additionally, Ouleye Sarr is sidelined with an SEI-designated back injury, further adding to the Spirit’s growing list of absences.

Then again, for more positivity, one can revisit what Gonzales remarked about Trinity Rodman in the last game’s post-interview.  “The only thing with Trin is she’s been doing great,” said the Spirit boss. “Positive that I think she’s checking those boxes and she’s in a good spot. Mentally and physically she’s improving. She’s been doing a great job — very committed with her recovery, doing as much as possible to be in the best spot possible. We are optimistic and she’s doing good.” 

As much as we hope that’s the case, might we tell you nothing is certain. Perhaps the only thing one can hope for is to cross their fingers and see Trinity Rodman in action.