Washington Spirit star Trinity Rodman exits game with knee injury, the same day she was called into Emma Hayes' latest USWNT camp

Rodman took an awkward step onto her right leg while attempting to challenge an opponent shortly before half time. She was able to walk off the pitch with support, but was in tears on the bench. She limped off the pitch on crutches a bag of ice on her knee at the break. 

The injury comes at an unfortunate time for Rodman, who has struggled with a litany of back problems of late. She missed nearly 4 months of action after the back injury, and was just starting to rediscover her best. The gold medal-winning forward has tallied seven goal contributions in an injury-shortened campaign. She was named to the 2024 NWSL best XI.

Emma Hayes will likely be concerned. The USWNT coach called Rodman into her squad for the first time since April, as they face Portugal and New Zealand over the next two weeks.

The former Chelsea boss backed her star winger to make an impact in her return, dubbing her "one of the best players in the world" in a news conference Wednesday afternoon after the roster announcement. She was expected to feature as the USWNT gear up for 2027 World Cup qualification. 

The Spirit didn't offer any news on Rodman's injury immediately after the game. Rodman is expected to undergo scans on Thursday. It was an otherwise successful evening for Washington, who are currently second in the NWSL standings. They  strolled to a 4-0 win over Monterrey, and are currently top of Group B after four matches.