Trinity Rodman scores banger to seal USWNT World Cup send-off win

Trinity Rodman scored a brace in the USWNT's last game before the 2023 World Cup. (Brad Smith/USSF/Getty Images for USSF)

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 🤝 @Trinity_Rodman pic.twitter.com/NJBKUABHAc
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 9, 2023

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 ✌️ pic.twitter.com/TIjuCL68NB
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) July 9, 2023

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.

Other notes

Savannah DeMelo, a surprising addition to the USWNT’s final 23-player roster for the World Cup, earned her first cap with the senior team Sunday. The 25-year-old midfielder replaced Ashley Sanchez in the 64th minute.
Julie Ertz, Rose Lavelle and Megan Rapinoe did not see the field Sunday as they continue to nurse injuries. Lavelle has not played since an April friendly against Ireland, managing a knee injury in the hopes of being ready for World Cup play. Head coach Vlatko Andonovski said after the game that Ertz’s absence was precautionary, while Lavelle and Rapinoe are “in the build-up stage.”