Spirit’s Trinity Rodman has MCL sprain, no timetable for her return

Washington Spirit and US national team forward Trinity Rodman suffered a grade 1 MCL sprain in her right knee, with no timetable for her return.

Spirit coach Adrian Gonzalez announced Rodman's diagnosis Friday ahead of the team's home game Saturday against the Orlando Pride.

“Right now we need to focus on the day-to-day work, try to help her recover as best we can, and let's see how she progresses every day,” Gonzalez said.

FILE – Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman stands during the second half of an NWSL soccer game against Bay FC on Aug. 23, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Benjamin Fanjoy, File)

Rodman suffered the injury on Wednesday in a CONCACAF Champions Cup match against Mexican club Monterrey. Earlier in the day, she was named to the U.S. squad for three upcoming matches against Portugal and New Zealand. The US has not yet announced her release from the training camp.

Rodman was helped off the field in tears after attempting a tackle in the 37th minute and later reappeared on crutches with a brace on her right leg.

While there were concerns the injury was serious, Gonzalez said Thursday's scan showed the “best-case scenario.” Typically, recovery time for grade 1 MCL sprains is one to three weeks.

Rodman returned to the Spirit in August after a back problem that sidelined her for much of the summer. In September, she was named National Women's Soccer League Player of the Month after scoring five of the team's eight goals that month.

The Spirit earned the No. 2 seed for the postseason behind league leader Kansas City Current. The playoffs start on November 7.

Due to back problems, Rodman has made just one appearance for Team USA since the team won the gold medal at the 2024 Olympics. She scored in early April's 2-0 win over Brazil in Los Angeles.