Mallory Swanson of USA celebrates scoring a goal during a women’s international football friendly game between the New Zealand Football Ferns and the U.S. Photo: Aaron Gillions / www.photosport.nz
American striker Mallory Swanson's World Cup participation hangs in the balance as she had to be carried off on a stretcher after she injured her knee during the United States' 2-0 win over Ireland in a friendly in Austin, Texas.
Swanson, who had been enjoying a stellar start to 2023 after scoring seven goals for the U.S., collided with Irish defender Aoife Mannion and fell to the ground clutching her left knee in pain shortly before the interval.
She had to be carried off on a stretcher as a sellout crowd at Q2 Stadium chanted her name. The 24-year-old World Cup winner was then taken to the hospital.
Head coach Vlatko Andonovski said it was too early to know the extent of her injury.
"I'm hoping for good news," he said. "As of right now, we just know that she's getting checked out and we're waiting for the results."
Swanson's injury overshadowed the U.S.'s resolute performance over Ireland as they continued their build-up towards the World Cup, which begins in July.
Unlikely hero Emily Fox overcame a rock-solid Ireland defence as she netted her first goal for the national team with a sublime shot to the back left corner in the 36th minute.
Midfielder Lindsey Horan made it 2-0 for the world champions from the penalty spot, her shot ricocheting off the hand of Irish goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan in the 79th minute.
"We knew that this team, they can capitalize on anything," Horan, who helped the United States win their fourth World Cup title four years ago in France, said in a televised interview.
"It was a hard team to face, the way they defended... it was us making the most of our moments."
Ireland forward Heather Payne whipped a cross into the net in first-half stoppage time but the goal disallowed for offside.
The team in green saw their best chance in the second half, a free kick by Arsenal forward Katie McCabe acrobatically saved by American keeper Alyssa Naeher.
The United States welcomed back veteran midfielder Julie Ertz, who gave birth in August and had not played since the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, as she came in as a second-half substitute.
"We saw when she came in just automatically the pace of the game picked up a little bit," said Andonovski. "We're happy where she's at."
The United States will vie for an unprecedented third consecutive title when the World Cup kicks off in Australia and New Zealand in July.
The Americans will meet Ireland again on Tuesday.
- Reuters