After months of grueling recovery and physical therapy, 23-year-old USWNT star Trinity Rodman made a glorious return to competitive action on Sunday, August 3. In her first appearance since a long injury layoff, she scored the match-winning goal for the Washington Spirit and lifted the team to a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Portland Thorns. 

Subbed in during the 76th minute, she immediately injected energy into the Spirit’s attack. With the score tied at one apiece, she found a pocket of space and delivered a final goal that sent Audi Field into a frenzy. The goal wasn’t just a stat. But it was a statement. It signaled that she is not only back, but determined to reclaim her role as one of the NWSL’s brightest stars. For the Spirit, her presence on the pitch was a much-needed boost during a crucial stretch of the season.

Understanding this backstory, Magic Johnson wrote a heartfelt message on X. He wrote, “Welcome back, superstar Trinity Rodman! Congratulations on scoring the game-winning goal for our Washington Spirit in a 2-1 victory over the Portland Thorns. The entire National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has missed you!” 

After the Olympic Games, Rodman was in constant pain. With her back issues relapsing, the struggle was not just physical. “I think, for me, mentally, it was really hard. I can now kind of openly say I was in pain all the time – working through that was difficult,” she said last week via Pro Soccer Wire.

Naturally, she couldn’t hold back her emotions upon scoring the goal. She said, “Holy cow, that was just the hardest thing I’ve had to go through with injury and everything. 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.” The Olympic gold medalist also added that he is just really happy to be back, and she missed the team. Trinity added, “I missed doing what I love.” And after her victorious goal, Trinity’s boyfriend, Ben Shelton, also reacted to the superb goal. 

Boyfriend Ben Shelton is happy for Trinity Rodman

On Sunday, Ben Shelton reached the milestone of 100 wins on the Tour, thanks to the late surge that led him to victory against Flavio Cobolli at the Canadian Open Round of 16. However, after the match, when he was asked which half of the couple had a bigger moment, Shelton’s answer melted hearts. “I think Trinity scoring a goal,” he began. “One-year anniversary from her incredible goal at the Olympics, hadn’t played in 100-something days, and she goes in and in 15 minutes scores a banger. It’s pretty cool, especially because she was emotional. I’m always happy for her.” 

The couple officially stepped into the spotlight in March this year after dropping multiple hints on TikTok while teasing their growing connection through playful videos. The speculation reached a new level when Ben included Trinity in one of his Instagram posts. It was an elevator selfie that, while casual, sparked surprise and excitement from both players and fans alike. It was essentially a confirmation of what many had already begun to suspect. 

Since then, they’ve been loud and proud supporters of each other. Whether it’s Trinity cheering Ben on from the stands or Ben posting messages of encouragement before her matches, the couple has embraced their relationship publicly. Their bond continues to captivate fans across both sports communities.