The United States Women’s National Team and Chicago Red Stars have announced that forward Mallory Swanson will be sidelined indefinitely with a torn patella tendon. This will likely include the Word Cup. Swanson was injured Saturday 41 minutes into the match against Ireland. She went back to Chicago to be further evaluated. Here is what the Mallory Swanson injury update means for both her club and country.
An update on Mallory Swanson
— Chicago Red Stars (@chicagoredstars) April 9, 2023
Mallory Swanson Out Indefinitely with a Torn Patella Tendon
This Mallory Swanson injury comes as a huge blow for Swanson who was having the form of her life. After winning the World Cup in 2019 with the United States, injuries and inconsistent form saw her only play five matches combined in 2020 and 2021. Then in 2022, Swanson became a key part of the national team’s attack. That year she registered seven goals and seven assists in 15 matches. So far this year she had already equaled her seven goals in just six matches. As far as club play, Swanson scored 11 goals and six assists in the 2022 season. She lead the Red Star’s to their seventh consecutive postseason. They were eventually knocked out of the first round by third seed San Diego Wave.
This Mallory Swanson injury update will have a major effect on the United States’ and Chicago’s future plans. The USWNT have already called up Angel City forward Alyssa Thompson to replace Swanson ahead of the upcoming rematch against Ireland. Trinity Rodman, who was subbed on after the injury, will most likely take Swanson’s place in the starting lineup in the future. As for the Red Stars, they don’t have much attacking depth. Expect Chicago to increase the use of players like Ella Stevens and Ava Cook. Chicago has lost both of their first two matches to and currently sit in tenth place in the standings. The Red Stars will likely continue to struggle until her return.
