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Jeff Kassouf
Multiple Authors
Mallory Swanson made her long-awaited return to the field on Saturday, playing for the first time in over 18 months following the birth of her first child in November.
Swanson entered the match for the Chicago Stars against the North Carolina Courage in the 76th minute.
“I don’t feel like it was a journey to the finish line; I feel like it was a journey to the start line,” Swanson conveyed to reporters after the match. “Motherhood brings a whole new role, so I view this as the start of something new.”
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While Swanson’s return was a highlight for Chicago, the team suffered a 4-0 defeat to the Courage on Saturday.
In the match, the Stars also lost goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher to a suspected hamstring injury, forcing her substitution in the 21st minute.
Swanson’s appearance marked her first in 559 days. She played as a starting forward for the United States during their successful bid for gold at the 2024 Olympics, where she scored four goals, including the game-winner against Brazil.
Her comeback comes just weeks before the USWNT’s friendly matches in Brazil and slightly over a year ahead of the 2027 World Cup.
“For me, it’s about checking the next box and progressing,” Swanson stated. “I’m about feeling everything and looking to make an impact on the field as I continue this journey.”
Since joining Chicago in 2021, Swanson has scored 23 goals. In 2022, she made significant contributions with 11 goals and six assists, helping the Stars reach the playoffs while earning a spot as an MVP finalist.
Head coach Martin Sjögren acknowledged the importance of Swanson’s return after the game, stating, “Mal is back, which is huge for us. However, we must remember that this is her first game back from a long absence, so we shouldn’t place too much pressure on her. When she’s back at full strength—and she will be—she’ll significantly impact our team as one of the league’s best players.”
Chicago currently sits at the bottom of the NWSL, with just six points from ten matches and a goal difference of minus-18, which is the worst in the league.
“It sucks, honestly,” Sjögren expressed regarding their last-place position.
The Stars have two more matches before the NWSL enters a five-week hiatus for the FIFA Men’s World Cup.
Swanson, at 28, has netted 38 goals in 103 appearances for the United States National Team. She debuted for the USWNT at 17 in 2016 and joined the Olympic roster that same year.
Turning professional in 2017, Swanson bypassed college to join the league as a teenager. She first signed with the Washington Spirit before being traded to Sky Blue FC (now Gotham FC) in January 2020 and then to Chicago later that same year, which had no regular season due to COVID-19.