Chicago Stars FC Mallory Swanson will miss season opener against Orlando Pride
Mallory Swanson, a star for the USWNT and Chicago Stars FC, will not play in the 2025 National Women's Soccer League season opener for the Chicago due to personal reasons that have not been disclosed, the club has confirmed.
"For Mal Swanson, she is still away from the team, attending to personal issues, she will not be with the team Friday," the club said to reporters on Wednesday.
Swanson's journey with the Chicago team has been nothing short of remarkable. Joining in 2021, she made 22 starts and scored four goals in her debut professional season. Her second season in the NWSL, 2022, was even more impressive, with 13 starts, 11 goals, and six assists, earning her a finalist spot for the 2022 NWSL MVP award. Despite a setback with a torn patellar tendon in April 2023, Swanson made a strong comeback in 2024, with 23 starts, seven goals, and four assists.
The Chicago Stars FC are gearing up for a high-stakes season opener against the defending champions, Orlando Pride, on Friday. This game, part of a prime-time doubleheader that also features the Houston Dash against the Washington Spirit, promises to be a thrilling start to the season.
NWSL season-opener schedule
All times Eastern.
Friday, March 14:
- Houston Dash vs. Washington Spirit, 8 p.m. on NWSL+
- Orlando Pride vs. Chicago Star FC, 8 p.m. on Prime Video
Saturday, March 15:
- Kansas City Current vs. Portland Thorns FC, 12:45 p.m. on ABC, ESPN+
- Racing Louisville FC vs. North Carolina Courage, 5 p.m. on NWSL+
- Utah Royals vs. Bay FC, 7:30 p.m. on ION
- Seattle Reign FC vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC, 10 p.m. on ION
Sunday, March 16:
- Angel City FC vs. San Diego Wave FC, 6:50 p.m. on ESPN2, ESPN+