Trinity Rodman, a forward for the United States Women’s National Team, praised her relationship with teammate Sophia Smith for making the crucial breakthrough in the USWNT’s 2-0 friendly victory over Wales, the team’s final warmup before the World Cup.
Rodman made an appearance at halftime in place of Alex Morgan after the United States had a sluggish first half. He went on to score both goals.
U.S. manager Vlatko Andonovski gave her specific instructions to boost the team’s energy, and she did just that.
He stated, “I think Trinity came in with a task to complete.” She was one of the players who came in, but her job was to increase the pace and tempo a little, and we saw a big change.
Rodman, the daughter of Dennis Rodman, a former NBA star, was initially used as a central striker, but she occasionally switched positions with Smith. As Rodman went on to score two goals, the first of which was set up by Smith, the connection between the two was clear.
Rodman stated, “I think Sophia did a really good job of recognizing.” We exchanged, and I wound up going out wide, and she was in the center, it opened a ton of room. She was extending them, I was opening up. Again, there was room for her to run behind me and for me to run behind her, and we connected from there.”
According to Andonovski, he encourages his forwards to switch positions quickly.
He stated, “It just makes it a little more unpredictable and they play a lot by instinct as well because of how they play.” They comprehend the game and utilize their sense to regard themselves as in the game. They have the opportunity to move starting with one then onto the next position to another.”
Even though she initially thought the goal wouldn’t count, Rodman’s instincts were on display in the 87th minute when she scored with a powerful finish to win the game.
She stated, “Well, I honestly thought they called a foul because I couldn’t hear anything.” In any case, I was like, ‘I will complete it at any rate,’ and clearly folded it over the protector, and it was somewhat great, so I’m truly cheerful about that.”
The United States’ performance was uneven at times, but Rodman’s goals helped shine a light on it, especially in the attacking third, where it faced an organized and disciplined Wales defense. But Andonovski said he’s happy with how his team is doing.
He stated, “We’re very confident about where we are right now.” We can see how the product will look, and it will look good when that happens.”
