There’s a fresh wave of optimism sweeping through the Washington Spirit. Sure, their relentless fight for a top spot in the NWSL table is one sign, but the real buzz centers on the emphatic return of Trinity Rodman to the starting XI. Having begun her 2025 season under a cloud of uncertainty, the USWNT forward is now back as if she never left — a comeback that has not only benefited her individually but has also elevated the Spirit’s overall performances.

Perhaps voluntarily taking a two-month break since April 12 worked in her favor. Having successfully returned to action on August 2, she marked her comeback with a decisive winner off the bench for Adrian Gonzales and Co., sealing an emphatic 2-1 victory over the Portland Thorns. In fact, ever since she began contributing in a truly “dynamic” way — whether starting or impacting games from the bench — the Spirit have rarely had to lower their heads.

Heck, she isn’t alone — teammate Croix Bethune also shares this distinction as a lucky charm for the Spirit. And if that sounds like hype, OptaJack’s numbers back it up. Surprisingly, the Washington Spirit have won 75% (W12 D1 L3) of their regular-season NWSL matches in which Trinity Rodman and Croix Bethune have started together. Talk about double trouble, as it’s pretty much evident that they have quite a strong presence in the team.

Like Rodman, Bethune also battled her way back from a tough injury spell. Her case was far more serious — a season-ending knee injury last year halted her stellar rookie campaign, and a subsequent hip issue further delayed her full comeback. She still managed five goals and ten assists in 17 appearances, earning a historic sweep as the NWSL’s first-ever Midfielder of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and Best XI First Team honoree.

Rodman’s road back was no walk in the park either. The 23-year-old took time away from the pitch to recover from a back injury, going above and beyond — flying to London to work closely with the Washington Spirit’s doctor and grinding through training sessions so brutal they left her physically sick. “Yeah, I just think… damn. Holy cow…That was just the hardest thing I had to go through, with injury and everything,” said the Newport Beach native on her emotional return.

Then again, on the brighter side, it’s great to finally see both stars serving as crucial chess pieces for their NWSL side, especially as they approach such an important stage of the season.

Can Trinity Rodman and Croix Bethune together lead Washington Spirit to greatness?

“If those two get going together, that’s just like the perfect threat. Crafty midfielder underneath, who can score goals and create with someone who can push the pace and is creative like Trin. So they’re looking good,” said USWNT icon Megan Rapinoe after their performance against Portland Thorns, insisting that both players are vital to the Washington Spirit’s success, and keeping them healthy will be key for Adrian Gonzales and Co. to sustain their winning form.

Deep down, Pinoe was right after all — and the stat about their presence certainly proves the point. Sure, the Washington Spirit are sitting exactly where one would expect them to be, in second place with 31 points, though they trail league leaders KC Current by 12. With only nine NWSL matchdays remaining, that reality should feel both daunting and motivating. These remaining games are their only chance to chase down the KC Current while also preparing for the playoffs.

Failing to do so would echo last year’s disappointment, when they not only lost the Shield to the Orlando Pride by just five points but also fell short in the NWSL Championship — only to redeem themselves by winning the title before the start of this season. Still, there’s every reason to believe that having Trinity Rodman and Croix Bethune available will be a major boost for the Spirit in these decisive weeks ahead. Let’s see how it plays out.