When Barbra Banda found the back of the net in the NWSL final, she changed Orlando Pride’s destiny forever. Controversy rose surrounding a foul leading up to the goal, with Trinity Rodman expressing her post-match frustration over the referee’s decision. However, former USWNT star Sam Mewis prompted the Washington Spirit player to accept the outcome and ‘take it on the chin’. 

Sam Mewis who is the editor-in-chief and podcast host of ‘The Women’s Game’ podcast believes it was the referee’s decision to let play continue after Pride’s Angelina pushed off Leicy Santos. Mewis does admit to there being a foul, but it was subjective and up to the fourth official to decide whether or not the offense was serious enough to stop play. It’s this moment that led to Rodman saying that the referee was more receptive to Orlando Pride. 

“But this happens sometimes like my dad used to tell me this all the time when I was little, the ref is part of the game, the ref is necessary to the game, you can’t remove the ref from soccer, and so for better or worse, you have to accept what happens”, said Mewis in the latest episode of The Women’s Game. Mewis also believes it’s unfair to Orlando Pride to focus solely on this moment, which overshadows the near-perfect season they have had. 

“Spirit, you played your heart out, and everybody’s going to be on watch for you next year, and I have this feeling that you all are going to be seeking revenge” added Mewis. Despite a rocky start this season, many doubted Washington Spirit’s ability to secure a playoff but, they rose against all odds but fell short of replicating their 2021 feat. 

All eyes are on Jonatan Giráldez’s Washington Spirit, favorites to win the NWSL next season. Leading the lines for the Spanish manager is Trinity Rodman, who Mia Hamm believes is destined to bring home the Ballon d’Or alongside the triple espresso. For Rodman, however, the focus remains on the championship, and she has already set her eyes on the prize. 

“Gave it everything this season, time to reset”- Trinity Rodman

Read Trinity Rodman’s Instagram story. The 22-year-old’s 8 goals and 6 assists were vital in their side finishing second in the league table during the regular season. While this was soccer icon Marta’s first-ever title, Rodman already boasts a winner’s medal and will have plenty of opportunities ahead to add more trophies to her collection, and with Jonatan Giráldez leading the team, there’s to be no doubt!

Trinity was denied her full circle moment, as her loss to Orlando Pride in the CPKC stadium was the venue where she was once forced to leave the field in a wheelchair, earlier this season. Having recently won the Olympic Gold with the UWSNT, the forward has had an amazing season, and it’s only a matter of time before Mia Hamm’s prediction about the future Ballon d’Or comes true.