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Jeff Kassouf
CHESTER, Pa. — United States women’s national team head coach Emma Hayes expressed her disappointment over the absence of forward Trinity Rodman, who is sidelined from training camp due to injury. Hayes remains hopeful that Rodman will return to play soon.
Recently, Rodman was named to her first USWNT roster in six months after battling chronic back injuries, and Hayes shared her excitement at having Rodman back. Unfortunately, shortly after, Rodman sustained a sprained right MCL during a match with the Washington Spirit.
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“She understands that setbacks are part of the game, but she’s understandably upset as she really wanted to be part of this,” Hayes stated on Wednesday at Subaru Park ahead of the USWNT’s match against Portugal scheduled for Thursday.
“The injury isn’t too severe, and I hope she can make it back for playoff contention and our next camp,” Hayes added.
Hayes is optimistic about Rodman’s recovery, as she suggested the injury isn’t serious, while awaiting an official timeline from the Washington Spirit. With NWSL playoffs starting on November 7, Washington has already secured the No. 2 seed.
Spirit head coach Adrian Gonzalez commented that Rodman’s MCL sprain is considered a “best-case scenario,” especially after she left a game on October 14 in tears and was later seen on crutches and in a full leg brace.
During the past Olympic campaign, Rodman was a standout performer, although her time with the USWNT this year has been limited due to recurring back issues. She notably scored just minutes into her return against Brazil in April.
“When she returned in April, she felt in good spirits, but unfortunately, the adrenaline helped her push through that match in L.A. and afterward, she realized her back issues were still unresolved,” Hayes explained last week.
Rodman shared a video on TikTok earlier this week humorously addressing her dismay over missing yet another USWNT camp due to injury, having just regained her fitness after the NWSL’s summer break.
After practice on Wednesday, Hayes took a moment to watch the U.S. U23 team train nearby, indicating that she would choose a player from that group to fill Rodman’s spot on the senior roster for the camp.
According to a U.S. Soccer spokesperson, the replacement player will be announced on Friday and will not be available for the Thursday match.
The U23s are currently training in Chester this week, further demonstrating the development layers being added to the program.
Despite her injury, Rodman will attend the USWNT game against Portugal on Thursday, as Hayes confirmed.
This match will also feature a ceremony celebrating the career of Alex Morgan, who retired last year as a two-time World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist, ranking fifth in USWNT history with 123 goals.
“There was nothing she didn’t accomplish,” Hayes stated. “Alex embodied everything this program represents. Her determination to succeed at the highest level is unmatched, and she has been a remarkable ambassador for the sport.”
“You cannot go anywhere in this country without Alex Morgan being mentioned, which highlights the importance of recognition for our players. She has undoubtedly become one of the sport’s most recognizable figures in recent times.”
USWNT forward Alyssa Thompson, 20, shared that she has admired Morgan since beginning her own soccer journey.
Thompson recently made headlines by transferring from Angel City FC to Chelsea in a significant deal, a testament to the opportunities that Morgan and her peers have created for upcoming players.
“Morgan has profoundly influenced me and the game,” Thompson remarked ahead of practice at Subaru Park. “The strides she made for equality and fair pay have paved the way for players like me. I aspire to continue her legacy, though her on-field achievements are truly one-of-a-kind.”
The USWNT will also honor goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, who remains active professionally but stepped away from international duty last year, during their game in East Hartford, Connecticut on Sunday. The federation created bobbleheads of both Morgan and Naeher to distribute to fans during each game.
“I cherish this tradition of honoring our retiring players,” Hayes expressed. “The fans will come out not only to support us, but also to celebrate Morgan’s remarkable career. Her numerous pivotal moments have left an immeasurable impact on this team.”