Mallory Swanson quickly made her mark on the scoreboard for Chicago Stars FC in her first match back from an 18-month maternity leave.
The United States international entered as a substitute at halftime during only her second game back and quickly found the net with a powerful low shot from outside the box, beating Bay FC goalkeeper Emmie Allen at the near post to secure a 1-0 victory for Chicago.
This marked Swanson’s second game after returning, as she last played for Chicago in November 2024, having made a prior substitute appearance against the North Carolina Courage just a week earlier.
Her recent goal ended an 11-game scoring drought in NWSL play, marking her first league goal since a stretch of four consecutive matches with goals in June and July of 2024.
Swanson’s appearance against the Courage was her first in 559 days. She played a pivotal role for the United States during the 2024 Olympic Games, leading her team with four goals, including the decisive goal in the gold-medal match against Brazil.
Her return comes just weeks before the USWNT’s friendlies in Brazil and slightly over a year ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
Just prior to her goal, Bay FC was reduced to nine players after goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz received a straight red card for a deliberate handball outside the penalty area, following teammate Aldana Cometti’s earlier dismissal in the 12th minute.
Chicago has one more match remaining before the NWSL pauses for the FIFA World Cup this summer, which will be hosted in North America.
Near the game’s conclusion, Swanson had to be substituted after twisting her ankle while challenging for the ball. Although she initially appeared to be in significant pain, she managed to leave the field on her own before watching the remainder of the match from the bench.
This win was crucial for a struggling Chicago side, marking just their third victory of the season as they sit in 15th place in the NWSL with nine points so far.
Swanson, now 28, has netted 38 goals in 103 appearances for the United States since her debut as a 17-year-old in 2016. She made the Olympic roster later that same year.
Turning professional in 2017, Swanson opted to forego college, becoming one of the few teenagers in the NWSL at that time. She began her career with the Washington Spirit, was traded to Sky Blue FC (now Gotham FC) in January 2020, and then moved to Chicago later that same year, a season disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In other NWSL matchups, the Kansas City Current equalized the league record by extending their home unbeaten streak to 22 games with a win over the Thorns. Portland’s Sophia Wilson opened the scoring in the 14th minute before Current captain Lo’eau LaBonta equalized in the 41st. Reigning MVP Temwa Chawinga netted her sixth goal of the season in the 63rd minute to give Kansas City a 2-1 lead, assisting during stoppage time to secure the final score.
All three of Portland’s losses and goals conceded this season have occurred on the road, while the Current remain undefeated in five home games.
This report includes contributions from ESPN’s Jeff Kassouf, along with information from ESPN Global Research and The Associated Press.