Mallory Swanson Shines in the USWNT’s SheBelieves Cup Opener

The U.S. women’s national team kicked off its SheBelieves Cup campaign with a powerful gesture of solidarity. Locking arms with the Canadian national team, the players joined in a circle at the center of the pitch—sending a clear message to the Canadian federation: The players stand united in their quest for pay equity. The Canadian players, who are entangled in a public dispute with their federation over equal compensation and resources, wore purple warm-ups ahead of Thursday’s fixture with the words “enough is enough” emblazoned on the chest.

Unified off the pitch but bitter rivals on, the USWNT wasted no time in its 2–0 win, fielding one of the squad’s most energetic starts in recent memory. As soon as the opening whistle blew, the USWNT pounced, putting Canada on the back foot early. Deploying high pressure from the outset, the U.S. created a series of chances, forcing big saves from Canada goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan—including a long-range rocket from Ashley Sanchez, who got the start after Rose Lavelle picked up a knock in training.

Pinning Canada back in their half, the front trio of Alex Morgan, Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson continued to create opportunities high up the pitch, connecting with Lindsey Horan and the two outside backs—Emily Fox and Crystal Dunn. Morgan, who celebrated her 200th cap ahead of the matchup, took the brunt of Canada’s physicality, creating space for the wingers to get in behind. Eventually, the USWNT’s relentlessness paid off as Swanson buried a well-struck half-volley in the seventh minute. The 24-year-old followed up her opening goal with a second in the 34th minute. She jumped on a defensive mistake from Canada, triggered by unrelenting high pressure from the U.S. Swanson’s banner outing extended her scoring streak to four games, with the star forward notching five goals in 2023.

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“It's not just the two goals, her flair in the game, it just makes the game look so easy,” said coach Vlatko Andonovski. “She plays so well individually, but we can see more and more Mal combining with the players around.”

The midfield also looked more cohesive Thursday, linking with the attack more seamlessly than in recent contests. Horan dropped deeper, helping Andi Sullivan on the defensive side of the ball while also getting in on the attack, feeding balls into the box. “She’s a world-class midfielder. One thing I was happy about Lindsey is that she doesn’t neglect the work off the ball,” said Andonovski. The coach also heaped praise on Sullivan, calling her performance “tremendous” and commending her ability to “close down” pressure. The No. 6 position has been a question mark for Andonovski since Julie Ertz’s absence, but nights like Thursday make a compelling case for Sullivan as the starter. Depth at the defensive midfield position beyond Sullivan is a different story—a conundrum the USWNT coach has yet to solve. However, if Thursday’s dominant showing is any indication, it appears the middle of the pitch is beginning to coalesce after much experimentation from Andonovski.

The SheBelieves Cup opener was quieter on the defensive end. Despite a relatively uneventful game, goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher made a massive save at the end of the first half. Fully extended, the veteran goalie denied Janine Beckie an opening tally, securing her and the USWNT the shutout. Her ability to come up big in crucial moments has all but guaranteed Naeher the starting keeper spot heading into this summer’s World Cup, with Casey Murphy and Adrianna Franch filling the backup roles.

Next on the docket, the USWNT will face off against Japan on Sunday, with the group hoping to build on the momentum earned in Thursday’s thumping.