In a heartbreaking end to their season, the Washington Spirit fell just short of NWSL glory, losing 1-0 to the Orlando Pride in the 2024 championship match. For Spirit star forward Trinity Rodman, the loss stung even more as she battled through a nagging back injury that has plagued her in recent months. But true to her competitive nature, the USWNT standout refused to use it as an excuse.
“I’m not gonna make an excuse — it’s not hiding the fact that my back’s not feeling great,” Rodman admitted after the match. “I decided to stay in the game. I could have pulled myself out. That’s not an excuse but I wasn’t the Trin that I wanted to be today.”
Reaggravating an Ongoing Issue
Rodman, who has dealt with back spasms and related problems dating back to her rookie season in 2021, reaggravated the injury in September on the same CPKC Stadium pitch where Saturday’s final took place. At the time, the concerning sight of the young star being wheeled off the field raised alarm bells.
Yet Rodman powered through, continuing to suit up for both club and country. She scored three crucial goals to help the USWNT capture Olympic gold in August before returning to lead the Spirit’s playoff push. That warrior mentality was on full display in the NWSL final, as Rodman logged a full 90 minutes despite her limited mobility.
Spirit’s Scoring Struggles
Though Washington dominated possession and fired off 26 shots compared to just 9 for Orlando, they simply couldn’t find the back of the net. Rodman pointed to her team’s inability to finish chances as the ultimate difference-maker.
“We still had hope the entire time, but I think the cards weren’t falling for us in front of the goal,”
– Trinity Rodman on the Spirit’s attacking struggles
The 21-year-old recorded five shots of her own but was largely shut down by Orlando’s stifling defense, led by fullback Kerry Abello. Abello’s 31st-minute yellow card for a foul on Rodman seemed to galvanize the Pride backline.
“They know I love 1-v-1s,” Rodman said of Orlando’s tactical approach. “Getting her a card halfway through the first half is an ideal situation for myself, but as soon as she got that card, they’d bring forwards to drop and help.”
Decisive Moment of Controversy
The Pride’s lone goal came in controversial fashion, after a heavy challenge by Orlando’s Angelina on Spirit midfielder Leicy Santos. Replays showed Santos being taken down from behind but no foul was called, freeing Barbra Banda to score what proved to be the championship-clinching goal.
“From my perspective, I saw two hands pushing her down,” said Spirit defender Casey Krueger of the decisive sequence. “We questioned the ref on it and that was the decision, so it’s a tough pill to swallow.”
“I don’t want to say no comment but I think she was a lot more receptive to hearing the Orlando Pride talk than us,”
– Trinity Rodman on the officiating in the NWSL final
Pride Prevail on Gutsy Defending
Putting the refereeing controversy aside, Orlando ultimately held firm to claim their first-ever NWSL championship. The Pride backline withstood a furious late barrage from the Spirit, exemplifying the resolute defensive style that carried them all season long.
“You could see the players throwing their bodies on the line, working together, tracking back, trying to stop a service or get close to them, blocking shots. It’s no different than what we’ve done all season long, especially in this championship game.”
– Orlando Pride head coach Seb Hines on his team’s defensive effort
For Washington and their star forward Rodman, it was a bitter end to a season that showed so much promise. But with their young core intact and a hunger to avenge this loss, expect the Spirit to come back as strong title contenders in 2025 and beyond. As for Rodman, some well-earned rest should have her back to full strength and ready to lead the charge for both club and country.
