Fans React Emotionally After Trinity Rodman Scores in Return From Painful Injury

Fans React Emotionally After Trinity Rodman Scores in Return From Painful Injury originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Trinity Rodman made the most of her opportunity after enduring a grueling recovery over the past three months.

Rodman, who last played for the Washington Spirit in April, returned to the field against the Portland Thorns on Sunday. She came in as a second-half substitute and quickly made an impact to lead the team to victory.

Trinity Rodman Is Back After Overcoming Chronic Back Pain

Rodman entered Audi Field in the 76th minute, with both the Spirit and Thorns tied at 1-1 following the first-half scores from Gift Monday and Olivia Moultrie.

When it looked like both teams were headed for a draw — with the match going to stoppage time — the 23-year-old forward stepped up to score the winning goal.

In the 92nd minute, Spirit midfielder Courtney Brown sent a cross that landed in the box. Another Washington midfielder, Croix Bethune, hit the ball and redirected it, catching the Portland defenders by surprise.

As the ball bounced, it ended up in front of an unmarked Rodman, who proceeded to smash it into the net with an incredible first touch. Keeper Mackenzie Arnold had no chance to stop it at all, as the ball hit the upper part of the net.

It simply had to be Trinity Rodman 🥹 pic.twitter.com/gYkd1TgcvG

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 3, 2025

Rodman was naturally emotional after her goal that gave the Spirit a 2-1 lead and eventually the win. During her post-match interview, she was also seen in tears as she reflected on her journey back.

Trinity Rodman postgame interview im so happy for her dawg 😭💛 pic.twitter.com/BDFe0nysN5

— Shabazz 💫 (@ShowCaseShabazz) August 3, 2025

"Holy cow, that was just the hardest thing I've had to go through with injury and everything," Rodman shared. "So, being back with the team, especially at home, with the stadium and the crowd behind me, scoring a goal like that – you saw I buried it. I was not going to miss it. I'm just really happy to be back. I missed the team. I missed doing what I love."

Fans Get Emotional After Rodman's Winner

After the Spirit posted photos of the aftermath of Rodman's close-range shot, fans quickly took to the comment section to react to the moment.

Several followers couldn't help but get emotional as well, considering what it took for Rodman to get back on the field. For those not in the know, the former Washington State star had to take some time away from the team back in April to manage her chronic back pain.

Rodman only returned to team training in early July, and more recently, she admitted she was "in pain all the time" during her recovery.

"like i’m actually sobbing!!! WELCOME BACK TRINN!!!" a commenter wrote. Another one said, "I CRIED."

A fan admitted, "Cryin."

"Admin, I’m emo about this!!!!!" a supporter remarked.

An emotional follower stated, "The way I was sobbing in the stands."

"Ooo, my eyes welled up. I had to collect myself. So glad she is healing," a sixth poster added.

Spirit Rolling Again With Rodman Back

Sure enough, Rodman's big goal in her return is a morale-booster for a Spirit team looking to move up the NWSL table.

With their latest win, the Spirit jumped to No. 3 with 26 points on an 8-4-2 win-loss-draw record. They face Gotham FC next on Saturday.

As for Rodman, it remains to be seen when she'll be able to return to 100%, but her latest display is certainly encouraging.

Related: NWSL Announces Trinity Rodman News Before Spirit-Thorns Game

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 4, 2025, where it first appeared.