The U.S. women’s national team defeated Ireland on Saturday 2-0 in one of the last tune-ups before the Women’s World Cup in July.
Defender Emily Fox scored the game’s first goal in the 37th minute, while Lindsey Horan added a second half penalty. Ireland had their moments, including a goalmouth scramble midway through the first half that required several interventions from U.S. defenders, but couldn’t find a breakthrough.
The match also marked the return of midfielder Julie Ertz after a 610-day absence, but the story of the game was the injury sustained by forward Mallory Swanson. Given the manner of her exit — a long delay that resulted in her being carted off the field — and the amount of pain she appeared to be in, Swanson’s spot at the World Cup now looks to be in doubt.
Rapid reaction
1. Swanson injury casts a pall over USWNT win
The final months before a World Cup are a tense time for players. There’s the jockeying for the final few roster spots and, with a lifelong dream now in reach, the fear of injury can creep into the heads of players as well. Alas for Swanson, that latter scenario has played out, as she went down clutching her left knee before being taking to the hospital during the game for evaluation.
Swanson had already been involved in a lengthy injury stoppage in the 25th minute when she sustained an apparent head injury when she collided with Ireland goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan. Swanson was soon back on her feet and back in the action. But later, in the 40th minute, Swanson sustained a heavy challenge from Ireland defender Aoife Mannion, and immediately gave the tell-tale handwave indicating that the injury was serious.
A stretcher was soon brought onto the field and after her left leg was immobilized, she was carted off and taken to the hospital with what was confirmed as a left knee injury.
