Coach Emma Hayes Reflects on Trinity Rodman’s Goal Celebration, Leading Her to Possible Trouble

Almost as if she never left, Trinity Rodman returned to the spotlight like a boss. The talented USWNT forward made her much-anticipated comeback from injury by netting a cheeky finish in yesterday’s 2-0 friendly win over Brazil—inside just five minutes, no less. But what made the moment even more memorable was Rodman’s celebration. It became a bold move that might just prompt Emma Hayes to “have a word” with her!

A brilliant dribble from Alyssa Thompson set up Trin inside the 18-yard box, where she seamlessly picked up a ball and slotted in an outsole finish with her right foot to put the American ladies ahead. After quickly scoring, she initially found Thompson and gave her a big hug, while simultaneously getting patted on the back by her fellow teammates.

Interestingly, it was after this moment, the daughter of Dennis Rodman decided to herald the occasion by poking her recent injury by pretending to hold her back and limping while giving a painful expression. While almost everyone knew it was merely a celebration, Hayes somehow ended up thinking for a moment that Rodman was actually injured!

“Except I didn’t think she was pretending,” admitted the 48-year-old in the post-match presser while sharing her take on the Spirit’s forward celebration.

While others may call it hilarious, Emma doesn’t seem much impressed. “I will have a word with her because that’s like a cry-wolf moment. I turned to the physios, and I said, ‘Her back’s hurting instantly.'”

“Then I realized she was tricking us and I thought she’d already pranked me earlier on when I was doing media. She was behind in the background distracting me. So I just got my back on her by making sure I distracted her media scrum so 1-1,” added the former Chelsea boss, sharing how the two have been exchanging a few pranks on each other.

Honestly, to quote the iconic sports meme from Apollos Hester, the former East View Patriots running back — we’ve got to say, you really “had us in the first half,” Trinity!

We bet not just Hayes, but even many others in the stadium might have thought for a moment that Rodman found her back to get injured.

Thankfully, that wasn’t the case as she left the pitch safe and sound after being substituted at the hour mark. Let’s hope it stays that way (touchwood alert). After all, one can’t deny the fact that her presence also makes Hayes happy.

Emma Hayes couldn’t be more ‘delighted’ to have Trinity Rodman back!

The Washington Spirit forward has been missed on the pitch for the USWNT ever since delivering a high-class performance in the Summer Games. While the first international friendly post-Olympics in September was a deliberate way of giving her a rest, the following camps in October-November saw Rodman miss the roster due to domestic as well as back injury issues.

In order to avoid the risk of a hast call-up, Hayes was forced to overlook Trinity again for the SheBelives Cup campaign. So it’s only natural for Hayes and other team members to remain excited over the winger’s return. “Just having her back it’s just such a difference,” added the former WSL boss after the game that was played in front of 33,000 fans.

“She’s a game changer and we know we have to look after her. I was never going to play her for more than 60 minutes today. Really delighted for her; the goal meant a lot. She loves this environment; she cares so much for this team. I’ve said this all week she’s been smiling from ear to ear being back in this environment and we’re so happy to have her,” concluded Hayes.

So it’s only fair for Trinity Rodman to hear some from the English boss over her celebration as well.