Fansided

Swanson leads the way: 3 takeaways from the USWNT’s triumph over Canada

By Caden Charpentier

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 16: Mallory Swanson #9 of the United States celebrates with Alex Morgan #13 after scoring a goal against Canada during the first half in the 2023 SheBelieves Cup match at Exploria Stadium on February 16, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 16: Mallory Swanson #9 of the United States celebrates with Alex Morgan #13 after scoring a goal against Canada during the first half in the 2023 SheBelieves Cup match at Exploria Stadium on February 16, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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ORLANDO, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 16: Trinity Rodman #5 of the United States challenges Janine Beckie #16 of Canada during the first half in the 2023 SheBelieves Cup match at Exploria Stadium on February 16, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 16: Trinity Rodman #5 of the United States challenges Janine Beckie #16 of Canada during the first half in the 2023 SheBelieves Cup match at Exploria Stadium on February 16, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

1. Trinity Rodman holds the keys for this team to reach its ceiling

After being drafted into the NWSL at the age of 18, the world knew Trinity Rodman was going to be something special. Rodman has scored just two international goals during her USWNT career but it has been her distribution and vision that have made the difference. While the Washington Spirit star did not record an assist in Orlando, her cross into the box created the opening goal for the U.S.

Her unselfishness is what makes her special. Rodman has the speed, and one-on-one abilities to take anyone on and finish past the goalkeeper. Her toolbox is limitless. Rodman’s dynamism was on display all night as she continued to create opportunities for her teammates. Despite her vision with the ball at her feet, the team knows she can take it herself at any point in a game.

https://twitter.com/USWNT/status/1626375952409165826?s=20

If she can continue to provide from the flanks as she has been, it is going to be a tall task for any team to upset the United States. Smith will return, but the hope is Rodman’s impact maintains the same. It may come from a bench role, and that is still something she has shown she is effective in. Her youth and potential make her one of the most exciting players on the current roster. Rodman is a thrill to watch on the ball. She can change a game in the blink of an eye, and that is invaluable for this club in a gripping year in international women’s soccer.

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