Trinity Rodman Scores in USA's Win over Brazil as Fans Hail Star's Return from Injury

The United States Women's National Team defeated Brazil 2-0 on Saturday at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, with Trinity Rodman marking her return to the national team by scoring the opening goal in the fifth minute.

With another goal from Lindsey Heaps in the 66th minute, the U.S. captured the win in the first of two scheduled friendlies.

Fans reacted to Rodman's goal in her return, celebrating the United States' 2-0 win.

Rodman has not appeared in a game for the USWNT since the 2024 Olympics, where she scored three goals to help the team win a gold medal. She did not play for the U.S. during its January camp or the SheBelieves Cup tournament but returned to the NWSL's Washington Spirit in March.

Since her 2021 rookie season with the Spirit, Rodman has dealt with back spasms and related issues, which were aggravated during a game against the Kansas City Current last September. She had to be removed from the field in a wheelchair and struggled with the injury for the remainder of the season.

The team was anticipating Rodman's return, with team captain Heaps acknowledging the importance of Rodman in the midfield position.

"For her to come back with the injuries that she's had, but to train like she's been here for the past eight months, that is really exciting for me," Heaps told reporters on Wednesday. "And I think as a midfielder with any of our attacking players, they make it a lot easier for us because when in doubt, you can get the ball into space for these guys and they will go at any defense and make it almost impossible to win the ball for them."

The 22-year-old's presence on the team is something the squad will look forward to in the future.

"I'm very, very happy to have Trin back. I think we all are," Heaps added. "I think her presence on and off the field is just, it's different."

The USWNT will play its second game against Brazil on Tuesday.