Preparations for the 2023 World Cup have started, with the USWNT eyeing another major success. The American women have achieved significant success in the previous two campaigns of the World Cup, and they’ll be looking to repeat the feat this year too. The likes of Mallory Swanson, Megan Rapinoe, and Alex Morgan will be looking to get a hat-trick of World Cups.

With an aim to clinch significant success, the US team has already started the preparations for the upcoming World Cup. Before the prestigious competition, friendly matches are played to boost confidence. And it seems, the WNT is facing them too. Vlatko Andonovski’s side recently played the first of the last two friendlies before the World Cup.

The first test was passed easily by the women’s team, as they clinched a 2-0 win against the Republic of Ireland. However, the empathic win was overshadowed by the tragic news that left the WNTs scratching their heads, as Mallory Swanson had to be stretched off the field.

Mallory Swanson gets into fans’ prayers

It is the one thing that coaches and players hope for with all their hearts; not getting injured. The same thing Andonovski and the women were expecting, but unfortunately, USWNT forward Mallory Swanson got injured last night at Q2 Stadium.

The team’s leading goal scorer went down after a hard tackle from the opposition player in the first half. The player waved one arm in the air and clutched her leg with the other one. After receiving treatment for more than five minutes, the player was rushed to the hospital.

The fresh reports state Swanson has suffered a blow in her left knee and appears to be a serious injury, thus leaving players and coaching staff in doubt of their World Cup chances. In fact, this has created havoc among netizens as well, who are shocked by the tragic news.

The fans are sending their recovery wishes to the Chicago Red Stars’ forward.

Although they clinched a perfect victory, it definitely came at the cost of losing an important player. Tensions must have grown among the US soccer authorities as their World Cup fate seems uncertain.

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An easy win for the USWNT

Poor Swanson, as she must be miserable after suffering such a blow. But let’s hope the injury isn’t very serious. Going back to the match, it was indeed a decent performance from the WNT. Defender Emily Fox opened the scoring and gave her side a lead. After just a few minutes, it was Swanson down on the pitch, who was replaced by Trinity Rodman. Either way, the first half ended on quite an emotional note.

The tempo of the match remained unaffected as both sides were pushing for something. Soon, just before the last 10 minutes of the game, things went in WNT’s favor as they received a penalty. The No. 10 midfielder Lindsey Horan converted the goal from the spot as they registered a firm win against the Irish side.

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The match ended with mixed emotions, and UWNT passed the first test. They’ll now be looking to repeat the feat once again for the final match against the same opponents. Either way, they must be more concerned about Swanson’s injury.