The Washington Spirit laid waste to CF Monterrey 4-0 as they won Group B in Concacaf W Champions Cup. They will take on the runner-up of Group A on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
Croix Bethune gave the hosts the early lead in the 6th minute, which they held into halftime. The biggest story of the evening was club superstar and U.S. Women’s National Team standout Trinity Rodman going down with an apparent leg injury. After not being able to put any weight on her right leg, Rodman was helped off the pitch by trainers. Brittany Ratcliffe came on in her place in the 41st minute.
After halftime, the match was all Washington’s, almost as if Rodman’s injury sparked anger into the squad. Rosemonde Kouassi and Gift Monday scored just three minutes apart, increasing their lead to 3-0 after 58 minutes. After an own goal by Valeria del Campo, the Spirit’s win was assured.
The Spirit went undefeated throughout group play, defeating Alianza Women FC 7-0, Vancouver Rise FC Academy 4-0, and CF Monterrey Femenil 4-0 tonight. The nil-nil draw with NWSL rival Gotham FC meant the Spirit (+15) would advance in the top spot on goal differential.
As for information on the Spirit’s star player, the club knew about as much as we did. “Not yet,” coach Adrián González commented when asked if he knew the status of Rodman’s injury. “We need to wait until tomorrow. She’s gonna get scanned tomorrow and we’ll have more information.”
The Spirit continued their winning ways tonight, but will definitely feel the weight of losing Rodman. She goes down just as the Spirit prepares to take on third-place rival Orlando Pride on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 12:30 PM.
-Jon Jones
Photo: Courtesy of Washington Spirit