Trinity Rodman of Washington Spirit had mixed emotions following her team’s close 0-1 defeat to Orlando Pride in the NWSL championship match at CPKC stadium. Rodman discussed her emotions afterward, detailing some of her challenges leading up to and during this crucial encounter.
“Today wasn’t Trin I wished it to be,” Rodman admitted, divulging her ongoing back issues since returning from the Olympics. Regardless, Rodman noted she wouldn’t use these difficulties as an excuse; her contributions have been essential in leading Spirit to playoff positions that seemed out of reach when season started.
Rodman was left injured following a tackle by Temwa Chawinga of KC Current that saw her taken from the field in a wheelchair and taken directly off. However, any hopes she might have of making an impressionful comeback were quickly dashed when Barbra Banda of Orlando scored their only goal of the match in 37th minute – her fourth score during playoffs to underscore Orlando’s success and show their integral part of it all.
Washington held most of the play during this match against Orlando; however, under Seb Hine’s direction and Anna Moorhouse in goal, Orlando defended strongly, giving way only occasionally under Washington attack. Marta celebrated her team victory, possibly marking it as her final show for many.