Swanson Shines in Olympic Opener for U.S. Women's Soccer Team
- Mallory Swanson is poised to compete in her Olympic opener against Germany, expressing her gratitude for being in France.
- Last year was challenging for Swanson, adding emotional weight to her anticipated performance.
- Her success in this match would not only mark a personal victory but also contribute to the U.S. team's aspirations at the Olympics.
In a promising start to the Olympics, U.S. forward Mallory Swanson scored two goals in the team’s 3-0 victory over Zambia. This performance marks a significant comeback for Swanson, who was the leading scorer for the team last year with seven goals in six games before suffering a knee injury during a friendly match against Ireland prior to the Women’s World Cup. Reflecting on her recovery journey, the 26-year-old expressed gratitude for the support from her teammates and coaching staff as they aim for Olympic success. As the team prepares for their next match against Germany in Marseille, Swanson highlighted the strong chemistry among the forwards, including Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman. “We’re all really starting to come around to the way Emma has wanted us to play,” she noted, emphasizing the depth and versatility of their playing style. Rodman echoed this sentiment, stating that the team is more than just a collection of fast athletes, showcasing a deeper understanding of teamwork and strategy. Swanson, who previously competed in the 2016 Olympics and the 2019 Women’s World Cup under her maiden name, Pugh, was overlooked for the Tokyo Games due to injuries and inconsistent performance. Now, with 36 goals in 95 national team appearances, she is eager to make her mark in this Olympic campaign. “It’s a good start,” Swanson remarked, signaling her determination to contribute to the team's success.