Star striker signed through 2028.
CHICAGO, IL–The Chicago Red Stars have seen many free agents depart, but forward Mallory Swanson will not be one of them. The striker, who saw her 2023 cut short to a torn patella that forced her to miss the Women’s World Cup last year, signed a four-year deal worth a reported $2 million that keeps her with the Red Stars through 2028 with an option for 2029. Her husband, Dansby Swanson, currently plays with the Chicago Cubs.
“I am excited to be back with the Red Stars! These last few years have been such a blessing in Chicago, even with the ups and downs, and I can’t wait to be back,” said Swanson. “I am looking forward to getting to work and helping the team win championships. See everyone soon!”
Swanson joined the Red Stars in 2021 from Sky Blue FC (now Gotham FC) and has scored 18 goals and 10 assists in 51 matches since then. However, her 2023 season was ended in April while on duty with the US National Team tearing her patella in a World Cup preparation match against Republic of Ireland. The Red Stars would miss Swanson as the club finished last in the NWSL in 2023 even though the club was sixth in scoring.
Swanson’s injury also left a deep hole at striker for the USWNT as despite not making the World Cup, she still lead the team in goals scored during the 2023 calendar year with seven in six appearances.
Swanson’s return will be a shot in the arm for the Red Stars, who have seen another exodus of players such as Casey Kreuger (Washington), Yuki Nagasato (Houston), Tierna Davidson (Gotham FC), Bianca St. Georges (North Carolina), and Arin Wight (Racing Louisville). Swanson will likely be the face of a team undergoing a complete restructuring with new ownership and a new manager in Lorne Donaldson.
