U.S. women’s national team attacker and club franchise player Mallory Swanson will not be with Chicago Stars FC on Friday during their regular season opener. A club spokesperson and head coach Lorne Donaldson confirmed the absence on Wednesday during the club’s match week availability.
“Maybe [the club’s media relations department] can answer more, But to me, it’s a week-to-week thing. And I can just give her space and let whatever happens happen,” Donaldson said.
“We can’t do much about her situation right now because that’s her space right now. So we just want her to be happy and the club is behind her.”
Swanson has established herself as one of the most dynamic and skilled players in women’s soccer. She’s known for her speed, technical ability, and clinical finishing, and she has been a key contributor to offensive success for both club and country. She was the U.S. women’s national team’s leading goal scorer during their gold medal run in the Olympics and scored the game-winner in the Olympic final just last year.
The Stars announced Swanson’s absence back in January and has provided no significant updates on her timeline to return to the club. The franchise expressed an initial statement of support…
