Photo credit: Imagn/Syndication: The Tennessean
Emma Hayes, head coach of the United States women’s national team, provided crucial injury updates during a press conference on Tuesday as the team prepares for their SheBelieves Cup match against Canada on Wednesday. Hayes confirmed that Trinity Rodman, a forward for the Washington Spirit, is healthy and has been training well. However, midfielder Lilly Reale has suffered a foot injury and has left the squad.
Rodman, who recently signed a new contract with the Spirit, was cleared to train following a concerning collision in Sunday’s match against Argentina. She appeared to sustain a back injury during the incident, recalling an earlier injury that had kept her sidelined for much of 2025. After receiving treatment on the field, Rodman was able to walk off under her own power but did not return for the remainder of the match. Initially, Hayes had no updates on Rodman’s condition but has since confirmed her readiness to play.
In contrast, Reale’s departure adds to the defensive woes for the U.S. team, as she sustained a foot injury during the victory over Argentina and has returned to her National Women’s Soccer League team, NJ/NY Gotham FC. Reale started the match but was substituted in the 62nd minute for Rodman. As per tournament regulations, her position will not be filled now that the competition is underway.
This marks the third defensive adjustment for the SheBelieves Cup squad. Prior to Reale, Spirit defender Kate Wiesner withdrew due to a minor calf issue, which led to her being replaced by Avery Patterson of the Houston Dash. Seattle Reign defender Jordyn Bugg also left the team due to a hamstring issue, with Angel City’s Emily Sams stepping in. Unlike Reale, Wiesner and Bugg were replaced because their injuries occurred before the tournament had commenced.
The U.S. team is gearing up for a challenging encounter against their long-time rivals, Canada, set to kick off at 6:45 ET on March 4 at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio. Canada enters this match on the back of a strong 4-1 victory over Colombia, which ended a five-month spell without scoring and marked their first win in five matches.
