WASHINGTON — The U.S. women's national team left the pitch frustrated on Saturday, Oct. 10, following a 2-0 defeat to Spain in a friendly at Audi Field.
But for Mallory Swanson, the match still marked a major milestone. After coming on midway through the second half, the forward made her first USWNT appearance since October 2024.
Following nearly two years away from the national team, Swanson immediately looked at home. The forward was involved in several promising attacking moves, nearly getting an assist on a late chance Ashley Sanchez should have put away.
Swanson and her husband, Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson, announced the birth of their daughter Josie in November.
The forward made her return with the Chicago Stars in May. But this
was different.
"Getting back to playing is one thing, but to do it at the highest level is another," Swanson said after the game.
It's been a frustrating season on the club level for the 28-year-old, who has just two goals amid a campaign where Chicago has been by far the worst team in the NWSL.
On a USWNT side that is, per usual, stacked with attacking talent, Swanson appears to be in a fight for her place as the 2027 World Cup approaches.
But her connection with her "Triple Espresso" companions Trinity Rodman and Sophia Wilson was the catalyst that led the USWNT to an Olympic gold medal in 2024. Fittingly, both Rodman and Wilson were on the pitch when Swanson came on against Spain.
"It is a really big moment, and I am very proud and happy for her to be back." Rodman said. "Not the most ideal way to come into a game, but even just the little minutes she had, she looked great. I'm just happy that she's healthy and she's back in with the squad."
Swanson's 104th cap for the USWNT came nearly two years after her 103rd. But her 105th will likely come in just three days, as the U.S. faces Spain in a rematch on Tuesday, Oct. 13. As she eyes a second World Cup roster, Swanson said she was full of gratitude to be back.
"Obviously, it takes a lot to get back, so I'm just super grateful," she said. "It's been, I think, like two years, which is kind of crazy to think about."
Swanson has been forced to spend a long period away from the game before, most notably when she suffered a ruptured left patellar tendon in April 2023. This comeback, of course, felt a little different.
"Physically, I'm feeling better and better," Swanson said. "Obviously, coming back from a baby is completely different than an injury, and everybody's body is completely different. So it was definitely a learning curve, but I'm feeling better and better, and definitely have the support that I need around me."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mallory Swanson 'super grateful' after first USWNT appearance in two years
