Mallory Swanson United States Womens National Soccer Team

# Mallory Swanson: Rising star of the USWNT ## Early life and career Mallory Pugh Swanson (born October 29, 1998) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a forward for the Chicago Red Stars of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the United States women's national soccer team. Swanson began playing soccer at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks of youth soccer. She played for the Colorado Rush and Real Colorado in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), and was a member of the United States U-17 and U-20 national teams. ## College career Swanson attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she played for the Bruins women's soccer team from 2017 to 2020. During her time at UCLA, she was a three-time All-American and was named the Pac-12 Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2019. Swanson was a key member of the Bruins' 2019 College Cup championship team. She scored the game-winning goal in the semifinal against Stanford and assisted on the game-winning goal in the final against North Carolina. ## Professional career Swanson was drafted by the Washington Spirit with the first overall pick in the 2021 NWSL Draft. She made her NWSL debut on April 9, 2021, against the Orlando Pride. In her first season with the Spirit, Swanson scored six goals and had three assists in 21 appearances. She helped the Spirit reach the NWSL playoffs but they were eliminated in the semifinals by the eventual champions, the Portland Thorns. Swanson was traded to the Chicago Red Stars in January 2022. She scored 11 goals and had four assists in 22 appearances for the Red Stars in 2022. She helped the Red Stars reach the NWSL Championship but they lost to the Kansas City Current. ### International career Swanson made her senior debut for the United States women's national soccer team on January 26, 2021, against Colombia. She scored her first international goal on February 11, 2021, against Japan. Swanson was a member of the United States team that won the gold medal at the 2021 Summer Olympics. She scored two goals in the tournament, including the game-winning goal against Australia in the quarterfinals. Swanson was also a member of the United States team that won the 2022 CONCACAF Women's Championship. She scored three goals in the tournament, including the game-winning goal against Canada in the final. ## Playing style Swanson is a versatile forward who can play on either wing or as a central striker. She is a skilled dribbler and passer, and she has a powerful shot. Swanson is also a good defender, and she often helps out her team by tracking back and winning balls. ## Personal life Swanson is married to Chicago Cubs pitcher Dansby Swanson. The couple married in December 2022.