U.S. women’s national team head coach Emma Hayes has routinely called upon Trinity Rodman to cut onto her left foot and let loose from distance since taking hte helm in May. That directive paid off for the USWNT in Saturday’s Olympic quarterfinal win against Japan.
The idea might seem risky. Rodman is a right-footed winger, blessed with precise crossing skills and a slaloming dribbling style which can open up play-making opportunities along the outside.
But Hayes wanted Rodman — one of NWSL’s more prolific goal-scoring wingers — to get more strikes on the frame. When Hayes arrived from her previous position as Chelsea’s head boss, Rodman had failed to record a goal in any of her national team appearances in 2024.
Hayes’ suggestion has worked a treat for the Spirit forward. Rodman entered the USWNT’s quarterfinal clash with Japan having netted two goals, staking her claim as one of the tournament’s leading candidates for the Golden Boot.
She added to her collection with a pearl of a strike against Japan goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita, one that clinched a spot in the Olympics semifinals for the Americans.
Here’s what you need to know.
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Trinity Rodman goal today
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