Mallory Swanson has been patiently waiting for this moment for a long time, and she certainly made the most of it. In the opening game of the U.S. women’s soccer team’s Olympic campaign against Zambia on Thursday, Swanson’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. She scored two goals in just one minute, setting the tone for what promises to be a thrilling Olympic journey for her and the team.
It was a bittersweet moment for Swanson, who missed the 2019 World Cup due to a knee injury just three months before the tournament. But now, at the Tokyo Olympics, she has finally been given the chance to shine on the international stage once again. And she did not disappoint.
In the first half of the game, Swanson showed her prowess on the field, with her quick feet and precise shots. The first goal came from an excellent pass from teammate Lindsey Horan, as Swanson broke up the left side of the pitch and effortlessly put the ball into the back of the net. It was a brilliant display of skill and determination, extending the American lead to 2-0.
But Swanson was not done yet. Just a minute later, she struck again, this time with the help of Rose Lavelle and Sophia Smith’s tic-tac-toe passing. Despite having limited space, Swanson expertly flicked the ball into the net just before crossing the goal line, making it a 3-0 match. The crowd erupted in cheers as Swanson’s incredible performance left everyone in awe.
This Olympic debut was a long time coming for Swanson, who has been playing for the Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL this season. She has been in top form, with seven goals and three assists to her credit in just 15 matches. In fact, she is just four goals shy of her career high, which she achieved in the 2022 season. With such impressive stats, it’s no wonder that she was selected for the U.S. women’s soccer team for the Tokyo Olympics.
Swanson also had a taste of the Olympics in 2016, when she represented the U.S. in the Rio Games. Although she scored a goal in three appearances, this time she is ready to make an even bigger impact. And she has certainly started off on the right foot with two goals in just one minute.
Her performance against Zambia has certainly set the bar high for Swanson and the U.S. women’s soccer team. But it’s a challenge she is more than capable of handling. With her determination, talent, and experience, she is a valuable asset to the team and a player to watch out for in this Olympic journey.
As for the team, this victory against Zambia was a crucial one as they look to defend their title as Olympic champions. And with Swanson leading the way, the team’s chances look even brighter.
So let us all celebrate Mallory Swanson’s incredible performance and wish her and the U.S. women’s soccer team all the best in their quest for Olympic glory. This is just the beginning of what promises to be an unforgettable journey. Let’s all cheer on our team and show our support for these amazing athletes. Go USA!
