Alyssa Thompson to Replace Mallory Swanson for USWNT vs. Ireland

The 18-year-old just debuted for Angel City FC last month.

The United States women’s national team announced on Sunday that Alyssa Thompson will replace forward Mallory Swanson while she recovers from a patella tendon tear in her left knee suffered during Saturday’s World Cup tune-up match against Ireland. 

Thompson, who was the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NWSL draft, will earn just her second call-up for the USWNT this week when she plays against Ireland in another friendly on Tuesday in St. Louis. She was previously called up last October. If she plays in Tuesday’s match, it will be her third cap appearance for the USWNT.

Last summer, Thompson competed in the 2022 FIFA U-20 women’s World Cup in Costa Rica. 

It’s been quite the month for Thompson as she just made her NWSL debut for her club, Angel City FC, on March 8 during a friendly match vs. Club América. The 18-year-old scored a goal during her first match.

It’s unknown how much time Swanson is expected to miss as she was flown back to Chicago on Sunday for further evaluation, the team said. Swanson has played for the USWNT since the 2016 season.