Trinity Rodman ‘Class World’ educated in USWNT Return against Brazil

Inglewood, California-striker Trinity Rodman marked a little more than five minutes after his international return to raise the United States national women’s team to a 2-0 victory against Brazil on Saturday at the Sofi stadium.

Rodman had not played for the USWNT from the triumph of the team’s Olympic gold medal on Brazil last August due to a persistent back injury. She started on Saturday and quickly hung on to a ball by Alyssa Thompson. Rodman finished the blow with the outside of his right foot.

“It was the perfect ball of the perfect finish, so I’m really happy,” said Rodman.

Captain Lindsey Heaps scored the other goal in the penalty place in the 66th minute.

“I am very happy to be back – with a more recent team but always the same environment, the same atmosphere, energy,” said Rodman. “I think I missed it a lot. It was just a bit that I am back, bringing my level of competitiveness, energy, but also to try to relearn some new things while remembering the basics of this team.”

USWNT’s head coach Emma Hayes described Rodman as a “world class” after the match.

“Delighted for her,” said Hayes. “This objective meant a lot. She likes this environment; she cares so much about this team. I said that all week: she smiles with one ear to the other being back in this environment, and I am so happy to have it.”

Rodman recently said that she might have to manage her back injury for the rest of her career. After her goal on Saturday, she simulated a back injury as part of her celebration.

“The medical staff were panicking, but I thought I had to do it,” said Rodman with a big smile.

“Except that I did not think that she was pretending, so I will have a word with her because it is like a moment of Cry Wolf,” said Hayes. “I turned to the physios and I said that his back hurt her, instantly, then I realized that she was cheating on us.”

Rodman played 60 minutes in a physical game that saw him hit the ground several times.

“It really feels good, getting out of the Olympic Games and being obviously out, progressing in high level minutes is exciting, but also, it is sort of managing the way I want to play and the intensity I do,” said Rodman.

Phallon Tullis-Joyce started and made his international debut in order and became the 28th goalkeeper in the history of the USWNT to obtain a ceiling.

Defender Avery Patterson also made his debut on Saturday, entering the match in the 88th minute.

“They are very fast learners and they are really coachable,” said Hayes. “They want to do everything this team needs. We are a team; we love this team for this reason. We want to contribute to the crest.”

Saturday’s match marked the first female sporting event at the Sofi stadium. The announced presence was 32,303.

Brazil and the USWNT will play again Tuesday in San Jose.