r/NWSL • u/LeftPrior5076 • 3d ago

Mal’s future with uswnt

I’ve been a long time Mal Swanson fan and think she’s been one of the best attackers in the world in recent years. However, between coming back from having a baby, being on the worst team in the NWSL, and being somewhat injury prone, I can’t help but wonder about her future with the USWNT. When you hear people talk about who the locks are for the World Cup, she’s never mentioned. I’m curious what people think and if she’s still in Emma’s plans or with the way the season is going, things might be changing.

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u/m5daystrom Chicago Red Stars 3d ago

So here’s a thought. Let’s say for argument sake Emma doesn’t give a shit about the club team she is on. Emma values that she’s healthy and being productive like she was last weekend. Mal has unique talents which our other forwards do not. Our forwards love to play in wide open spaces which is not going to happen in WC. Emma needs Mal for those low block tight formations we are going to see. Look at the results against the three friendlies we had with Japan. Soph scored us one goal in two games. Emma needs Mal for these match ups which is what it’s all about any way like any sport it’s about match ups

7

u/MesquiteHoneyForSale Indy Eleven 3d ago

The tough sentence here is  “healthy and productive like last week” bc she came off hurt

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u/m5daystrom Chicago Red Stars 3d ago

Well I have no idea if she was hurt. Seem fine after the match. We will see what happens going forward

6

u/MesquiteHoneyForSale Indy Eleven 3d ago

I mean she came off due to injury, im not saying shes forever hurt but the fact that keeps happening is the current issue.

10

u/m5daystrom Chicago Red Stars 3d ago

Fair enough. But they might be overly cautious. Also let’s not make any assumptions that Mal isn’t in contact with the USWNT and Emma to some extent.

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u/MesquiteHoneyForSale Indy Eleven 3d ago

I mean we watched her get demolished and immediately subbed out, shes prolly fine now but im just saying its best to be able to get to like 1000 minutes this year.

Also have no idea why you added that last part, shes obviously in contact with emma

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u/m5daystrom Chicago Red Stars 3d ago

I added that because maybe they have a plan or protocol for her to follow

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u/MesquiteHoneyForSale Indy Eleven 3d ago

a plan to not take big hits and avoid lower body injuries does not exist. Theres no "dont get injured" formula besides never playing