The U.S. women’s national team dominated every facet of their 2023 Women’s World Cup sendoff game against Wales on Sunday. But for 75 minutes, they failed to turn possession and scoring chances into goals.
So, Trinity Rodman took matters into her own hands, lifting the U.S to a 2-0 victory in their final tune-up game.
After coming on as a substitute in the second half, Rodman broke the 0-0 deadlock in the 76th minute when Sophia Smith found her in front of the 6-yard box for a one-time finish.
.@sophsssmith đ¤ @Trinity_Rodman pic.twitter.com/NJBKUABHAc— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 9, 2023
.@sophsssmith đ¤ @Trinity_Rodman pic.twitter.com/NJBKUABHAc
Eleven minutes later, Rodman put the game away with a sensational individual effort. Pouncing on a poor clearance by the Wales defense, Rodman stole the ball in front of the 18-yard box, took two dribbles and curled a shot into the upper right corner of the net.
With that goal in the 87th minute, the 21-year-old Rodman became the youngest USWNT player to score a brace in a game.
At 21 years and 50 days of age, @Trinity_Rodman is the youngest #USWNT player to bag a brace âď¸ pic.twitter.com/TIjuCL68NB— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 9, 2023
At 21 years and 50 days of age, @Trinity_Rodman is the youngest #USWNT player to bag a brace âď¸ pic.twitter.com/TIjuCL68NB
The 2-0 win over Wales was the USWNT’s last game before their World Cup campaign begins July 21 against Vietnam. The team is looking to defend its World Cup title after claiming the trophy in France in 2019.