In an all-important Women’s World Cup year, Mallory Swanson couldn’t have had a better start. She’s got a new last name, but still has the same firepower as always.
The 24-year-old Highlands Ranch native scored twice in the second half, as the U.S. Women’s National Team used a dominant final 45 minutes to pull past New Zealand 4-0 Wednesday afternoon at Sky Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand.
The co-hosts of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup are playing a pair of games against the two-time defending champions, with the next game set for Friday night.
After a scoreless first half in which the U.S. dominated possession but was unable to score, from Golden native Lindsey Horan, head coach Vlatko Andonovski made four substitutes that helped make the difference.
One of those substitutes was 20-year-old forward Trinity Rodman, who plays for the Washington Spirit in the NWSL. Six minutes after the second half began, Swanson opened her 2023 account with a brilliant cross in from Rodman, as the Real Colorado product headed home the game’s opening goal.
The ball from , the finish from 🤌
📺 /
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT)
Nine minutes later, Alex Morgan doubled the lead as Rose Lavelle backheeled a pass into the path of Morgan, who buried the chance to make it 2-0.
Swanson added her second of the game minutes later, as she broke the New Zealand back line with a perfect run and an even better pass from Ashley Sanchez to make it 3-0. Horan recorded a “hockey”, or secondary, assist.
✌️ for
📺
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT)
The Highlands Ranch native, who was questionable to start as she tweaked her ankle during warm-ups was subbed off for Lynn Williams in the 67th minute, a USWNT fan favorite who returned to action for the first time in 10 months after suffering a severe hamstring injury. In the 74th, Williams made good on her comeback with the fourth and decisive goal.
The U.S. will play New Zealand again Friday at 8:05 p.m. on HBO Max and Telemundo.
Want more sports news? Sign up for the Sports Omelette to get all our analysis on Denver’s teams.
