08/11/2026
How can Trinity Rodman be NWSL Player of the Month while Washington Spirit are struggling?
Trinity Rodman's individual form and Washington Spirit's recent results are telling two very different stories.
Rodman was named NWSL Player of the Month for July after scoring five goals, including three match-winners, during Washington's 5-1-0 month.
She also reached a major career milestone on July 29, becoming the youngest player in NWSL history to start 100 regular-season matches.
Her momentum continued in August. After scoring against North Carolina Courage on Aug. 8, Rodman reached nine goals for the season, establishing a new single-season career high.
But Washington's team results have changed.
The Spirit have now suffered back-to-back league defeats for the first time in 2026, allowing NJ/NY Gotham FC to move back into first place.
That's what makes Rodman's Player of the Month award so interesting: her individual trajectory is still rising even as Washington's title momentum has hit a roadblock.
The big question now is whether Rodman's form can help the Spirit stop the skid and get back to the top.