Return of Mallory Swanson
The Chicago Stars have reactivated forward Mallory Swanson, who is now set to participate in the upcoming game against the North Carolina Courage this Saturday. Swanson’s return comes following her maternity leave, during which she welcomed her first child in November. She last played for the Stars during the 2024 NWSL season.
Swanson’s Achievements
Swanson has an impressive track record, having been a key contributor to the United States women’s national team during their victorious Olympic campaign in 2024, where she was the team’s top scorer with four goals, including the decisive goal in the final match against Brazil.
Challenges for the Chicago Stars
The Chicago Stars have faced considerable challenges in her absence. Currently ranked at the bottom of the NWSL standings, they have accumulated only six points through nine matches, resulting in a troubling goal difference of minus-14—the worst in the league.
Contract and Career Overview
In January 2024, Chicago made a significant investment by signing Swanson to a long-term contract, ensuring her presence at the club until at least 2028. Since joining Chicago in a trade in 2021, she has netted 23 goals for the team.
At 28, Swanson boasts an impressive career overall, with 38 goals in 103 appearances for the national team. She made her debut with the USWNT at the age of 17 in 2016, quickly ascending to Olympic competition. Rather than pursuing collegiate soccer, she chose the professional route, starting with the Washington Spirit before moving to Sky Blue FC (currently Gotham FC) in early 2020 and later transferring to the Stars, a season interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
