Trinity Rodman soars in return to NWSL after gold medal summer | OneFootball

Trinity Rodman continued her storybook summer by finding the back of the net in her NWSL return for the Washington Spirit after winning a gold medal with the USWNT.

Over a month and a half ago, the National Women's Soccer League paused their season as their biggest stars traveled to the French capital to represent their countries at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Among the competing players was Trinity Rodman, who prior to the tournament, had not scored a goal for the U.S. Women's National Team in 2024.

The 22-year-old thrived under new manager, Emma Hayes, though, and was pivotal in the USWNT's Olympic campaign. Rodman scored three goals in France this summer, including the extra time winner to send the Stars and Stripes to the semi-finals, and returned home with a gold medal.

The celebrations continued for Rodman in her first game back for the Washington Spirit as her club triumphed over the Kansas City Current.

Trinity Rodman soars in return to NWSL after gold medal summer

Just two weeks after standing atop the podium in France, Trinity Rodman scored her sixth goal of the 2024 NWSL season in front of a home crowd at Audi Field, who were eager to welcome back their Olympic champion.

The goal came in the 51st minute off a left-footed strike from Rodman that deflected over an outstretched Adrianna Franch into the far corner of the net. The Spirit took a commanding 3-0 lead over the Current, and would go on to win the game 4-1.

The victory not only marked a huge return for Rodman, but also for her club. Adrian Gonzalez's side collected all three points, putting them ahead of the Current in the NWSL standings by two points. The Spirit still trails the league leaders, Orlando Pride, who got the better of them back in April.

The USWNT's Croix Bethune also had an outstanding match, recording one assist and creating the most chances (3) in her 71 minutes on the pitch.

The Washington Spirit will be back in action on Sunday, Sept. 1, when they take on the San Diego Wave at 8 p.m. ET.