Trinity Rodman returns to USWNT roster for first time since Paris Olympics

Washington Spirit star Trinity Rodman on Tuesday was named to the U.S. women’s national soccer team roster for the first time since winning an Olympic gold medal in Paris.

Because of persistent back problems, the 22-year-old forward skipped five friendlies in the fall and the three-game SheBelieves Cup last month.

She is scheduled to be in uniform for the Spirit on Friday against Bay FC at Audi Field before reporting to U.S. training camp in Southern California ahead of friendlies against Brazil on April 5 in greater Los Angeles and April 8 in San Jose.

Washington has been cautious about rushing Rodman back into action this season, holding her out of the NWSL Challenge Cup in Orlando on March 7 and limiting her to substitute appearances totaling 56 minutes in the first two league matches.

Rodman has scored 10 goals and recorded nine assists in 46 U.S. appearances, including three goals and one assist during the Olympic campaign. She is the only member of the celebrated “Triple Espresso” front line on this roster. Sophia Wilson is on maternity leave and Mallory Swanson remains unavailable for personal reasons.

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“We’re delighted she’s back with us,” coach Emma Hayes said. “She’s on the right road, but it can be quite easy to sort of trigger it. … So I have to try to find the sweet spot in camp to reintegrate her back in the team, but also to manage her, because she has a long season ahead.”

Two other Spirit players — defender Tara McKeown and forward Ashley Hatch — were named to the 24-woman roster for the rematches of the gold medal game. Hatch’s most recent U.S. appearance came in December 2023.

Lily Yohannes — a 17-year-old midfielder from Springfield, Virginia, who’s employed by Dutch club Ajax — was also summoned.

Most of the SheBelieves Cup squad was called up, as well as Manchester United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce; Kansas City Current defender Alana Cook; Houston Dash defender Avery Patterson, who is seeking to maker her U.S. debut; Kansas City forward Michelle Cooper (two U.S. appearances); and 19-year-old Claire Hutton, a Kansas City midfielder who debuted at the SheBelieves Cup.

Notable absences include Arsenal left back Jenna Nighswonger, Chelsea center back Naomi Girma (calf injury), Gotham FC midfielder Rose Lavelle (ankle) and Seattle Reign forward Lynn Biyendolo, who is recovering from a lower leg injury.

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Chelsea striker Mia Fishel will rejoin the squad for the first time since February 2024, when she tore an ACL. Having just returned to game action in England, she will train but won’t play in the friendlies.

The U.S. Soccer Federation also announced the women will play friendlies against Ireland on June 26 in greater Denver and June 29 in Cincinnati. A July 2 match is also planned; the opponent and location are expected to be announced soon.

Goalkeepers: Jane Campbell (Houston Dash), Mandy McGlynn (Utah Royals), Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United, England)

Defenders: Alana Cook (Kansas City Current), Tierna Davidson (Gotham FC), Crystal Dunn (Paris Saint-Germain, France), Emily Fox (Arsenal, England), Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit), Avery Patterson (Houston Dash), Emily Sams (Orlando Pride), Emily Sonnett (Gotham FC)

Midfielders: Korbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain, France), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns), Lindsey Heaps (Lyon, France), Claire Hutton (Kansas City Current), Jaedyn Shaw (North Carolina Courage), Lily Yohannes (Ajax, Netherlands.

Forwards: Michelle Cooper (Kansas City Current), Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit), Catarina Macario (Chelsea, England), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Yazmeen Ryan (Houston Dash), Ally Sentnor (Utah Royals), Alyssa Thompson (Angel City)

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