The United States defeated Ireland 2-0 on Saturday, but the success was overshadowed by Mallory Swanson appearing to suffer a significant left knee injury.
Swanson was taken to a hospital after being carried off the pitch at Q2 Stadium. With seven goals, she led the squad in scoring as the Americans get ready for the Women’s World Cup this summer.
Swanson’s Injury
On Tuesday in St. Louis, the second of two games versus Ireland was scheduled. The matches are Vlatko Andonovski’s last opportunity to assess his team before he must choose a 23-player roster for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Before Fox’s low shot through two defenders and into the far corner of Ireland’s goal in the 37th minute, the United States held off a bombardment of shots in the 24th minute. It was her first accomplishment for the US.
- Swanson was taken to a hospital after being carried off the pitch at Q2 Stadium.
- On Tuesday in St. Louis, the second of two games versus Ireland was scheduled.
- Denise O’Sullivan, Aoife Mannion, and Katie McCabe all play for Ireland.
Swanson collapsed in the 40th minute, wailing in agony as teammates hurriedly motioned for the trainers. Swanson tied the fourth-longest streak in team history by scoring in six straight games for the United States.
Swanson formed a heart with her hands for the audience as she was carried off the pitch. On a penalty kick in the 80th minute, Horan scored. She then raced to the corner and gave the crowd a salute.
Ertz, who had not played for more than 600 days due to injuries and the birth of her baby, was one of the athletes competing for a spot in the World Cup. Becky Sauerbrunn, a defender, presented the captain’s armband to Ertz after he entered the game as a replacement in the 66th minute.
Ertz, a two-time World Cup veteran, was regarded as one of the best players in the world at her position. Her 100th appearance with the national team, which she got back in March 2020, was recognized before the game.
Denise O’Sullivan of the North Carolina Courage, Aoife Mannion of Manchester United, and Katie McCabe of Arsenal all play for Ireland, which is rated No. 2 in the world.
Sinead Farrelly, who joined the team this week and had her formal debut on Friday, also made her debut for the Irish. Paul Riley, a former coach for the National Women’s Soccer League, was accused of misbehavior in 2021, including sexual coercion. The charges, which were made public by The Athletic, prompted inquiries from both U.S. Soccer and the NWSL. Riley disputed the allegations.
