Trinity Rodman details NWSL to US Open logistics to watch Ben Shelton! | Futbol W

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Trinity Rodman on the USWNT's new cycle, facing Spain, and supporting Ben Shelton at the US Open

In this Futbol W interview, Trinity Rodman reflects on the USWNT's new training facility and camp, breaks down the attacking challenge against Spain, and discusses squad competition, Ashley's form and how Emma Hayes helps her mindset. She also explains how she rushed from an NWSL match to the US Open to support Ben Shelton, arguing that a strong showing can be a real achievement even without a win.

On Futbol W, Trinity Rodman joins Ali Krieger to talk through: 0:00 USWNT training facilities 1:30 Upcoming matches against Spain 4:20 Options in the U.S. attack 5:20 Look who’s back in camp… 7:00 This iconic moment from Emma Hayes 8:30 Time with Ben Shelton at the US Open 9:50 Favorite outfits ✔️ Subscribe to ESPN Unlimited: https://plus.espn.com/ ESPN

Transcript

Trinity Rodman. Yes, the Spirit strike through their leading scoreer. True on Trinity Rodman making left going right. Rodman has scored. >> Back post is Rodman. Ever reliable, ever dependable. And she is on fire in this campaign for the spirit. >> Trinity, welcome back to Football W. I feel like now you're like a best friend of the show. >> I know. I've been here so many times. Thanks for having me. >> You're like, I'm back. >> Um, no, thank you and we appreciate it. But, um, more importantly, how's camp back in back in the US women's national team camp and at the new training facility? >> Yeah, I mean, the training facility is amazing. So, I think that's really cool. Um, I think we all wish we could like utilize it more through this camp, but it's been really cool to be able to like be welcomed to see the the site. And then I mean, camp's been so fun. Camp's always fun. And then >> having kind of a new roster, new people mixed in. I'm back with Ash. It's been a while, >> so I'm excited about that. But yeah, camp's always good. The vibes are good, and obviously we're playing an amazing opponent, so we're excited and nervous about that. >> Yeah, I'm sure. And we'll get into talking about Ashley a little bit, but um you know, two games coming up against Spain. Um the Olympic champions versus world champions. It's going to be a great matchup. Where do you see opportunities in the attack um to be able to like break them down and >> Yeah, I think that they're really good at pressing. Um I think what's going to be a challenge is like getting out and getting it to our forward line, which we've been working on. and um their transition is also really good when they regain the ball. So I think just decision making in the final third and being very clinical in that and just finding those spaces because they also are really good at getting numbers behind the ball when we're attacking. So um without saying too much just finding the right spaces and executing that. >> And in your position obviously you've always brought so much creativity and unpredictability and also discipline in your game. So, how do you decide when you can take that risk against opponents and when you have to just play it simple and maybe combine? >> Um, I feel like I've been more nervous this camp just cuz there's been a longer break in between camps and then having a few months in between going straight into playing Spain. I think um I have been more focused on kind of just having completions and playing the simple pass and like retaining the ball. Um I think as you get into the game and as we like demonstrate our identity, then that's when you can kind of start trying things. And I think we're all pretty good at recognizing that. But on top of that, I feel like I've always in this environment been in a place to where I can try those things, mess up, and I know my team has my back and like they cover for me and vice versa. So, um I'm really happy that I do have that freedom to be able to be myself. >> And I don't know if you feel this, but I know from the outside looking, there's a lot of teams that try to stop your play, right, to just get advantage. Um and and that's where they put their focus. But what have you learned about staying effective when defenders, you know, take away that first option for you? >> Yeah, I think for me, I'm just trying to build more. Um, if it's coming into the pocket, if it's playing on both sides, if it's connecting with the midfield more often or even just rotating with the outside back if they want to go high, I come inside, midfielder goes down. Um, which we've already worked on this camp, but yeah, I've I feel like I've been a player that loves the sideline. Um, I love being isolated and um I this year specifically I've worked a lot on like being more connected off the ball and finding areas where I can pop into a space that isn't always like playing in behind because I know that that's where I want to be. So, um, being able to be strong in those areas so it's not as predictable as a one v one or a through ball in behind. >> And we talk about some of the new players coming in. There's a lot of options for the attack, right? and you're consistently competing for a position, but um how does that push you? I know you talk about like you're a little bit nervous because you know the time in between camps, but how does that push you every single day to you know not be ignored? >> Yeah, I think it's an amazing time right now just because we have such amazing attackers. Um, so I mean, yeah, that part is nerve-wracking cuz you want everyone to succeed and do well and play well and have good connections, but at the same time, like you want to be the best. So, I think for me, like going from being dominant in the Olympics and being a consistent starter to now kind of going into a new tournament, a new phase, um, with Emma and everybody else coming in, it's it's always like, how can I get better at each and every day because, you know, nothing's ever solidified. Nothing's set in stone. So, just not getting comfortable. >> It's the best of the best at this level. So, it's difficult every day. But we spoke about one player, Ashley, who I know you're really close with and now she's back in camp. She's had a brilliant season. Um, and what does it mean to you to have her back in camp and how do you think she's been playing this season? >> Oh my gosh. Um, 20 goals pretty much says it, but no, she's been playing amazing. And I think she's showing people a side that I don't think anyone's ever seen. um being a midfielder for so long and then now having this winger role which she's had before, but now being one of the best and dominating in the league I think is so cool and I'm so proud of her and every time she scores I'll text her and I'll be like, "Okay, okay, okay." Um but yeah, I'm so happy. I haven't been in camp with her in so long and um obviously only see her once or twice a year. So yeah, having her on a personal side has been amazing, but also on the field, we still >> are the same like Ash and Tren that we were before. So I think having that comfort is also amazing. >> Yeah, you go right back, you know, to where you left off. Um, but is there any part of her game that you want people to appreciate about her besides or beyond her her goal scoring? >> Um, I think she's very smart on the ball. I think she's really good at being patient and timing things. Um, and I think a lot of us forwards are similar in terms of just like very pacy, very physical, very athletic. And not saying she's not, but I'm just she brings a different cheekiness. Um, she's so good with the ball at her feet. Like it's always glued to her foot. and she's also just able to playmake in every area of the final third while also having the ability to be in the midfield. I think it's something different and something that will really help this roster. So, I think she'll be really good for this team for sure. >> And speaking about people who know you well, Emma, obviously that uh iconic moment where she was dancing >> with you on the side. >> I know. I'm going to bring that back up. Um, but what has Emma come to understand about you that helps her get the best out of you? >> Um, she knows I'm a very emotional person. >> I show that on and off the field. Um, and I I love that about me and she loves that about me. But I think her just always getting me in the right mind space of like not putting too much pressure on myself cuz even in training sometimes like >> I'll like cuss at myself for missing like one shot and it's like okay it's not that serious but like just being competitive and wanting to perform um is just always in the back of my head and always wanting to be a starter. So, she is really good at just like reassuring me of like everything that I'm doing is right and just put me in like the best place to be me while also like having a good and calm like mental state. So, that's been amazing to have. >> Should we expect any more dance moves or moments in the future? >> Not sure about it. Um, I think I'm too nervous about the opponent we're playing to think about that. But yeah, maybe if it comes to me and um hopefully we we get that opportunity. So, we'll see. >> And um we want to know cuz we've spoken about it, but you obviously were at the US Open supporting your partner Ben um who had an amazing tournament and um we saw you there consistently which was which was awesome to support. But you went from playing, more importantly, went from playing a spirit match >> to then getting to the game. Take us through that day and how did you make it there on time? >> Yes. >> Well, not on time, I should say. How did you both lost that day, so that wasn't fun. >> Um, but um, no, I think I mean leading into it, I I had no expectation of making the match, so that wasn't even in my head. And people being like, "She's going to miss her game." I'm like, "Huh?" >> But Um but no, I was like more so I just want to get there like whatever the result is to just be there for him and afterwards. So >> um yeah, after the game got on a little private jet >> just dropped you right. >> Yeah, I like helicopter landed on the field. We landed back on the court. No. Um, >> yeah, splurged on that cuz it's just important to me and it was such a amazing time and even though it wasn't the result that he or I wanted, I think just being there for him and a big moment and >> it still was such a big accomplishment. So, I think that is the cool thing about tennis is like you don't necessarily have to win for it to be a really good achievement. So, yeah, that was an amazing day and I'm so proud. >> Yeah. And you obviously sported so many different cute outfits. What were your f We want to know what was your favorite. Um, I mean, everyone's favorite is the I love my boyfriend one, I think. Um, which is funny because I got the little crop top as like a pajama top from Tik Tok shop. >> Plug Tik Tok >> every time. But Tik Tok Shop is like, it's a problem. >> I'm like, I got to get out of here. >> Yeah. Add to cart, Apple Pay, double tap. Um, but yeah, it just worked out. I brought it as a pajama top when I went and then I was like, have nothing. Let's put it on. and everybody. >> Yeah. Worked out. So that would probably be my favorite. >> Good. Well, thank you so much for joining us on Football W. We're so happy to have you and good luck for these these upcoming game games and then also for the playoff bush. Yep. What's in the future?