Highlands Ranch native Mallory Swanson had to be carted off in the first half with an apparent left knee injury during the United States Women’s National Team 2-0 win against the Republic of Ireland Saturday in Austin, Texas.
The injury came late in the first half after she collided with Irish defender Aoife Mannon, and immediately grabbed her left knee, according to The Athletic’s Meg Linehan.
Per Linehan, Swanson, a striker who has been in phenomenal form on the U.S. team, was placed into a medical cart and was driven off. From there, Swanson was transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
The 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup is less than four months away and pending the severity of the injury, Swanson could still be poised to be an instrumental player for the USWNT. The Real Colorado product has scored seven goals through the first five games this year, and also has one goal for her club team, the Chicago Red Stars.
Earlier in the game, play had to be stopped for a few minutes as Swanson had to be evaluated after a collision with Irish goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan. The U.S. training staff did check for head injuries as required by FIFA’s concussion protocol, but she would eventually return to the field.
The U.S. took the lead in the 37th minute on a goal from Emily Fox. Golden native Lindsey Horan gave the U.S. a 2-0 lead in the 80th minute.
Following the match, USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski said: “First, any time an injury happens the emotions run high regardless of what type of injury it is. Mal had to leave the stadium. We don’t know the extent of the injury yet, she’s getting checked out as we speak. I’m hoping for good news in the near future.”
Andonovski followed up by saying that after her second injury which ended her afternoon, Swanson gave him a positive message.
“She had a big smile on her face and said, ‘coach, I’m good. I promise I’ll be good’. OK, you’re stronger than me,” Andonovski said.
The U.S. will play Ireland in its final tune-up match before the Women’s World Cup. Kickoff will be Tuesday, April 11 at 5:30 p.m. MST and will be available to watch on HBO Max and Peacock.
