If securing a win by the narrowest of margins were an art, the Washington Spirit would surely deserve brownie points. On Sunday, Adrian Gonzalez’s side hosted the San Diego Wave at Audi Field for the NWSL Matchday 23 clash, where they edged out a thrilling 2-1 victory to claim three crucial points. After Rosemonde Kouassi’s nine-minute opener, the contest stayed on a knife-edge until stoppage time. The visitors looked to have spoiled the hosts’ party with Delphine Cascarino’s 90+5-minute equalizer, only for Kouassi to strike again three minutes later and seal a dramatic win. While one might call it a good day at the office, the sentiment wasn’t quite the same for their star player, Trinity Rodman.

Sure, no doubt she must be thrilled to be part of her team’s victory, even sharing an Instagram story after the win to celebrate the result. Not to mention, the USWNT forward played the entire game. But if one had noticed her story before the celebratory one, they’d know the full picture. For context, Trin had shared a carousel post by freelance photographer Jason Taylor on her story, with one particular moment in slide five showing her being harshly tackled by San Diego Wave’s No. 15, Makenzy Robbe.

Though it wasn’t a direct jab at her opponent, the problem was that such challenges had been a recurring theme for her throughout the match. And it didn’t end there. Beneath the post, she expressed her disbelief at the officiating, feeling that despite enduring multiple harsh challenges, the calls never went her way. Starting off her rant, Trinity Rodman began: “All ball, the ref says to me for 90 minutes straight on every foul yesterday.”

Further jotting down not one but four pointers on why she felt the referee didn’t make the right calls, the Spirit forward added:

“1. Both quads wrapped around the left leg

2. Calls all ball and somehow it’s a goal kick… out on me

3. Wasn’t even checked on VAR

4. This is in no way coming for individual players. This is one of many examples…. Refs need to be better at managing these games. No words.”

Clearly, such a claim only suggests how much Rodman felt wronged during the match. Of course, there’s no blaming the officials for allegedly being biased toward the San Diego Wave. Then again, in Rodman’s eyes, it certainly seemed that way, as she clarified that such incidents occurred with almost every opposing player.

And to be fair, she even garnered support in the comment section of the post as well, with many remarking on Makenzy Robbe’s tackle as “[That] wasn’t a foul?” while others echoed, “Horrific officiating!” questioning the officiating decisions taken by the referees, urging the NWSL to look into the matter to further build Rodman’s case.

Perhaps bringing this to light so vocally might prompt the stakeholders to take a closer look at the matter. Hopefully, such incidents won’t repeat in the future — especially with Trinity Rodman, considering the significant individual battles she’s already facing.

Challenges are not just on the pitch for Trinity Rodman!

Watching a player like Trinity Rodman instantly reminds many why she’s often hailed as the next face of U.S. women’s soccer. Yet, few realize that living under such a spotlight is far from effortless. With the cameras constantly trained on her, there are times, both on and off the pitch, when even she isn’t immune to feeling exposed.

“It’s hard to be vulnerable with people in general, and then trying to find the balance between expressing vulnerability and openness with the public,” she admitted, while speaking to Interview Magazine recently. Then again, she certainly manages to do so just fine thanks to the evergreen support of her fans.

As far as living up to the standards she’s set for herself, the youngest draft pick in NWSL history continues to deliver — not just domestically, but on the international stage as well. Yet, one hopes that the on-field challenges, especially those that often leave Trinity Rodman frustrated, are hurdles she’ll overcome with the mindset that’s defined her journey so far: play her game and let the rest fade into the background.