News agency2 minutes to read
Forward Mallory Swanson was sent off the field during the first half of the United States’ 2-0 victory over Ireland on Saturday with an apparent left knee injury, a blow to the national team ahead of this summer’s Women’s World Cup.
Swanson was the team’s leading scorer this year with seven goals and a 6-game winning streak, the fourth longest in team history.
– Women’s World Cup schedule
She was injured in the 40th minute of the match at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, after contact with Ireland’s Aoife Mannion. Swanson screamed in pain as her teammates pointed to the coaching staff’s sidelines.
The NFL said Swanson was taken to hospital. USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski was unable to provide any further update immediately after the game.
“Emotions run high, regardless of the type of injury,” he told reporters. “Unfortunately, Mal has had to leave the field. We do not yet know the extent of the injury. She is being examined as we speak. I hope there will be good news in the near future.”
The match was the first of two matches between the United States and Ireland. It is the last international matches before Andonovski is named to the World Cup squad. Game two will be played on Tuesday in St. Louis.
The United States is a two-time World Cup holder.
Swanson, 24, plays for the Chicago Red Stars of the National Women’s Soccer League. Formerly known by her maiden name, Swanson married Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson in December.
Information from ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle was used in this report.
