Mallory Swanson Returns to Chicago Stars After Maternity Leave
USWNT star Mallory Swanson returned to the Chicago Stars active roster after an 18-month maternity leave, making her first appearance in a match against the North Carolina Courage. Entering as a 76th-minute substitute, she received a warm ovation despite the team's 4-0 loss. Her comeback marks a significant moment for the struggling club and highlights evolving support for mothers in the NWSL. Swanson, who holds a record-breaking contract through 2028, aims to gradually regain form and boost the team’s offensive capabilities following the birth of her daughter.
Editorial summary awaiting refresh
Cross-source coverage
Wire timeline
Mallory Swanson Returns to Chicago Stars After 554-Day Absence
U.S. women’s national team forward Mallory Swanson made her highly anticipated return to the Chicago Stars after being away from competitive play for 554 days. The Olympic gold medalist entered Saturday’s match against the North Carolina Courage as a 76th-minute substitute, replacing Ryan Gareis. Her comeback follows an 18-month absence due to maternity leave and the birth of her first child, Josie. Swanson’s last previous appearance was in November 2024 during the playoffs. Although the Stars lost 4-0 to the Courage, Swanson received a warm ovation from fans. She emphasized the importance of support during postpartum recovery and noted conversations with fellow mother and teammate Sophia Wilson about returning to play. Chicago Stars head coach Martin Sjögren expressed excitement about Swanson’s return, stating that while there is no immediate pressure, her eventual full fitness will significantly impact the team, which currently sits at the bottom of the NWSL standings. Swanson, who signed a historic contract extension through 2028, aims to reintegrate into the team’s tactical model both offensively and defensively.
yahoo sportsMallory Swanson Returns to Chicago Stars After Maternity Leave
USWNT and Chicago Stars forward Mallory Swanson made her return to the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) on May 16, 2026, marking her first appearance since November 2024. Swanson entered the match against the North Carolina Courage in the 76th minute, receiving a warm ovation from fans despite her team's 4-0 defeat. Her absence was due to maternity leave following the birth of her daughter, Josie, with husband Dansby Swanson. The 28-year-old striker, who scored the gold-medal winning goal for the US at the 2024 Paris Olympics, expressed that regaining her soccer instincts feels like riding a bike. Her return is seen as a significant boost for the Chicago Stars, who are currently struggling at the bottom of the league table. Swanson, who previously recovered from a serious knee injury in 2023, remains under contract with Chicago through the 2028 season. Her comeback highlights both her professional resilience and the personal milestone of balancing elite athletics with motherhood.
yahoo sportsMallory Swanson Returns to Chicago Stars After 559-Day Absence
U.S. women’s national team forward Mallory Swanson made her highly anticipated return to the Chicago Stars after a 559-day absence, marking her first appearance since November 2024. The Olympic gold medalist entered the match against the North Carolina Courage in the 76th minute, replacing teammate Ryan Gareis. Her return was celebrated by fans with a loud ovation, despite the home team trailing 4-0 at the time. Swanson had been away from professional play for 18 months due to maternity leave following the birth of her first child, Josie, in November 2025. The Chicago Stars, currently struggling at the bottom of the standings with a 2-0-8 record, hope her presence will revitalize the squad. Head coach Martin Sjögren emphasized patience, noting that while Swanson is a top-tier player who fits the team's model perfectly, there is no immediate pressure for her to perform at 100 percent right away. Swanson, who signed a historic contract extension through 2028, previously contributed significantly to the team's 2024 season before her break.
yahoo sportsMallory Swanson Returns to Chicago Stars Active Roster After Maternity Leave
U.S. women’s national team forward Mallory Swanson has been added to the Chicago Stars' active roster for the first time since taking maternity leave. This move marks her potential return to competitive play after an 18-month absence, during which she missed the entire 2025 season due to pregnancy. Swanson, who gave birth to her daughter Josie in November 2025, is eligible to play in the upcoming match against the North Carolina Courage, although the team has not confirmed if she will start or specified her playing time. The 28-year-old striker, known for her role in the USWNT's 2024 Olympic gold medal win, holds a record-breaking contract with Chicago running through 2028. Her return is anticipated to provide a significant offensive boost to the Stars, who have struggled recently with three consecutive losses and seven shutouts this season. Swanson remains the club's third-highest all-time goalscorer. The article also contextualizes her return within broader NWSL trends, noting similar maternity leaves taken by teammates Trinity Rodman and Sophia Wilson, highlighting the league's evolving support for player mothers.
yahoo sportsChicago Stars Forward Mallory Swanson Returns from Maternity Leave
Chicago Stars FC has officially announced that star forward Mallory Swanson has been reinstated to the club's active roster following her maternity leave. This move makes her eligible for selection in the upcoming match against the North Carolina Courage this Saturday. Swanson, a prominent figure in the US Women's National Team (USWNT), had been on leave since the birth of her daughter, Josie, in November 2025. She has been a key player for the Chicago franchise since joining in 2021, accumulating 23 goals for the team. Notably, she started every match for the club during the 2024 season before her absence. Swanson remains under contract with the Stars through the 2028 season, holding one of the most lucrative long-term deals in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Her return marks a significant boost for the team as they continue their campaign, bringing back an experienced and high-performing attacker to the lineup after a several-month hiatus dedicated to family matters.
yahoo sports