USWNT Forward Mallory Swanson Announces Pregnancy, Pauses Season

Mallory Swanson, forward for the Chicago Red Stars and a key player on the U.S. women's national soccer team, and her husband, Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson, have announced they are expecting their first child. Mallory's absence from both the national team and the Chicago Stars this season, previously cited as a "personal matter," is now understood to be due to her pregnancy. The couple shared the news on social media with ultrasound photos and received widespread congratulations from teammates and sports figures, including U.S. soccer legend Carli Lloyd. Mallory, 27, had a standout performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, scoring the winning goal in the gold medal match, but has been away from professional play this season. Dansby, 31, is an accomplished MLB player with a World Series title and multiple Gold Glove Awards. Their relationship, which began in 2017 and culminated in marriage in 2022, continues to be celebrated as a prominent sports power couple in Chicago.