The Washington Spirit is set to participate in the 2025 NWSL Championship, which may mark Trinity Rodman’s final game with the team.
On Saturday, Washington triumphed over the Portland Thorns with a score of 2-0 in the NWSL semifinals, thanks to goals from Gift Monday in the 27th minute and Croix Bethune in the 83rd minute. The match was largely dominated by the Spirit, who registered eight shots on target compared to the Thorns’ three, leading to a 16-10 overall shot advantage and an 11-3 lead in corner kicks.
The first goal was netted by Monday, with an assist from Rosemonde Quassi. Bethune maneuvered past Portland goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold to score during another breakaway.
Rodman made a late appearance in the match after recovering from an MCL sprain that sidelined her for a month.
This victory secures the Spirit a spot in their fourth NWSL Championship Game and presents an opportunity to become the first team to win both the Challenge Cup and NWSL Championship in a single season. They will face the winner of the Orlando Pride versus Gotham FC match next Saturday at PayPal Park in San Jose, California.
Last year, Washington reached the championship game but fell to the Pride, losing 1-0. In the Challenge Cup, they emerged victorious in a penalty shootout, seeking some measure of revenge.
Despite transitioning under head coach Honatan Giraldes, the Spirit finished the season strong with a 12-8-6 record, but there are concerns about Rodman potentially leaving the franchise.
Is Trinity Rodman Departing from the Spirit?
Rodman has been a prominent figure for the Spirit since being drafted in 2021, also becoming a recognizable name in women’s soccer. However, her contract is set to expire next month, and multiple European clubs have reportedly extended lucrative offers that far exceed what the Spirit can provide, as reported by ESPN late Saturday.
Negotiations appear to be stalled at this time.
The issue for the Spirit lies within the NWSL’s $3.5 million salary cap, which does not affect European clubs. With several star players, including Naomi Girma, Alyssa Thompson, Crystal Dunn, and Jenna Neiswonger, already making moves overseas, Rodman’s potential exit seems increasingly likely. Her agent is in discussions with NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman to explore ways the Spirit could remain competitive in light of these overseas offers.
Trinity Rodman is a major name in women’s soccer, but she may be beyond the budget of a team restricted by a salary cap. (Jamie Sabau Imagen Images)
(IMAGON IMAGES/Reuters via Reuters Connect)
The league provided the following statement to ESPN concerning the salary cap:
“The salary cap, which has significantly increased over the last five years, is a crucial element of our competitive framework, contributing to the excitement of last weekend’s quarter-finals where any team could claim victory.”
“The league is actively working to keep Trinity in the NWSL. She is a fantastic player and an integral part of our league.”
If Rodman does leave, the Spirit can take solace in the fact that she participated in 15 of their 26 regular season games this year, starting nine due to a hip injury. They are now headed to the NWSL Championship.
However, Washington was undefeated (6-5-0) in the 11 matches where she played at least 40 minutes, signaling that her presence could lead to more success if they manage to retain her.
Fan Take: This news is pivotal for soccer enthusiasts as it highlights both the rise and potential exit of one of the sport’s brightest stars. Rodman’s move could profoundly impact the landscape of women’s soccer in the U.S. and abroad, influencing future talents and league dynamics.
