Lindsey Heaps leads USWNT to SheBelieves Cup win, Trinity Rodman injured in final minutes

Defender Lilly Reale also left the pitch with an injury in the second half of the match against Argentina.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The U.S. women's national team began its 11th SheBelieves Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over Argentina, marked by goals from Lindsey Heaps and Jaedyn Shaw. However, the match was marred by injuries to key players Lilly Reale and Trinity Rodman, who both left the pitch with apparent injuries in the second half.

Why it matters

The USWNT is looking to defend its SheBelieves Cup title, but the injuries to Reale and Rodman, who are regular starters, could be a setback as the team prepares for the remainder of the tournament and upcoming matches. The team's depth will be tested as they navigate the injuries.

The details

Heaps opened the scoring in the 19th minute, and Shaw added a second goal in the 56th minute. Reale's second-half appearance was cut short after a tough tackle, and Rodman went down in stoppage time after a challenge, grabbing her back in pain. Both players were later seen walking on their own on the sideline. The match also featured the return of sisters Gisele and Alyssa Thompson to the national team.

  • The U.S. women's national team began its 11th SheBelieves Cup campaign on March 1, 2026.
  • Lindsey Heaps scored in the 19th minute.
  • Jaedyn Shaw scored in the 56th minute.
  • Lilly Reale's second-half appearance was cut short after a tough tackle.
  • Trinity Rodman went down in stoppage time after a challenge, grabbing her back in pain.

The players

Lindsey Heaps

The U.S. women's national team captain, who opened the scoring in the 19th minute and played a full 90 minutes.

Trinity Rodman

A 23-year-old forward for the Washington Spirit, who went down with an apparent back injury in stoppage time.

Lilly Reale

A 22-year-old defender for Gotham FC, who left the match in the second half with an apparent right foot injury.

Gisele Thompson

A 20-year-old defender for Angel City FC, who earned a starting spot and played the entire match for the USWNT.

Alyssa Thompson

Gisele's 21-year-old sister, who subbed on in the 75th minute for the USWNT.

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What they’re saying

“We've got to keep finding that right now, because we're not having enough of it.”

— Lindsey Heaps, U.S. captain (TNT Sports)

What’s next

On Wednesday, the USWNT will meet Canada in Columbus, Ohio. The status of Lilly Reale and Trinity Rodman's injuries will be closely monitored as the team prepares for the upcoming match.

The takeaway

The USWNT's victory was marred by injuries to key players Lilly Reale and Trinity Rodman, raising concerns about the team's depth as they look to defend their SheBelieves Cup title. The team's ability to overcome these setbacks will be crucial in the remaining matches of the tournament.