Mallory Swanson returns to training with USWNT for the 1st Women’s Gold Cup, but the Chicago Red Stars forward won’t play in a match

News Room

Mallory Swanson is returning to the U.S. national team, but she’s not ready to play in a match just yet.

Swanson, who suffered a torn patella tendon in her left knee in April and missed the Women’s World Cup, will train with the United States for the inaugural CONCACAF Women’s Gold Cup but won’t play in tournament games.

Swanson in January re-signed with the Chicago Red Stars on a deal that made the 25-year-old forward the highest-paid player in National Women’s Soccer League history. While financial terms were not disclosed, the five-year agreement surpassed Houston Dash forward María Sánchez’s three-year, $1.5 million contract signed in December.

Swanson, who is married to Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson, was Team USA’s leading scorer with seven goals in six games when she suffered the injury in a match against Ireland in the run-up to the World Cup. Swanson underwent surgery on the knee and missed the World Cup.

Interim coach Twila Kilgore on Wednesday announced the 23-player roster that included teenagers Olivia Moultrie and Jaedyn Shaw but left off veterans Becky Sauerbrunn and Alex Morgan. Red Stars goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher also was named to the roster.

Kilgore said the Gold Cup will give players a chance to experience a tournament similar to the Olympic format. The United States has qualified for this year’s Paris Games.

“We are going to take our next steps together as we continue to evolve our style of play and provide opportunities for players to grow into possible future roles and partnerships,” Kilgore said in a statement.

Emma Hayes was named coach of the USWNT last fall, but she is remaining with Chelsea until the end of the Women’s Super League season and won’t take over full time until May.

The Gold Cup kicks off Feb. 17. The U.S. opens play Feb. 20 against either Guyana or the Dominican Republic in Carson, Calif. The tournament concludes March 10.

Joining Swanson as training players are midfielder Savannah DeMelo and defender Gisele Thompson.

U.S. roster

  • Goalkeepers: Jane Campbell (Houston Dash), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)
  • Defenders: Alana Cook (Seattle Reign), Abby Dahlkemper (San Diego Wave), Crystal Dunn (NJ/NY Gotham), Tierna Davidson (NJ/NY Gotham), Emily Fox (Arsenal), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave), Casey Krueger (Washington Spirit), Jenna Nighswonger (NY/NJ Gotham)
  • Midfielders: Korbin Albert (Paris Saint-Germain), Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns), Lindsey Horan (Lyon), Rose Lavelle (NJ/NY Gotham), Olivia Moultrie (Portland Thorns), Emily Sonnett (NJ/NY Gotham)
  • Forwards: Mia Fishel (Chelsea), Midge Purce (NJ/NY Gotham), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Jaedyn Shaw (San Diego Wave), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns), Lynn Williams (NJ/NY Gotham)

Related posts