SAN JOSE, Calif. — United States women’s national team forward Trinity Rodman lauded the connection she has with teammate Sophia Smith for finding the critical breakthrough in a 2-0 friendly win over Wales, the USWNT’s final tuneup prior to the World Cup.
After a sluggish first half by the U.S., Rodman entered the match at halftime in place of Alex Morgan, and went on to score both goals.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (U.S.)
– Women’s World Cup bracket and fixtures schedule
She was given specific instructions by U.S. manager Vlatko Andonovski to increase the team’s energy level, and she did that and more.
“I think Trinity came in and had a task to fulfill,” he said. “She was one of the players that went in but had a task to raise the pace and raise the tempo a little bit and we saw that changed dramatically.”
Rodman, the daughter of former NBA star Dennis Rodman, initially was deployed as a central striker, but at times switched positions with Smith. The connection between the two was evident as Rodman went on to score two goals, the first of which was set up by Smith.
“I think Sophia did a really good job of recognizing,” Rodman said….
