'Our greatest blessing' - USWNT star Mallory Swanson expecting first child with husband and Chicago Cubs star Dansby Swanson

Swanson has't played for Chicago this season, as the couple announced the pregnancy on social media

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  U.S. women's national team star Mallory Swanson is expecting her first child with husband Dansby Swanson, shortstop for the Chicago Cubs.

  Mallory, who plays for the Chicago Stars in the NWSL, was a member of the 2019 FIFA World Cup squad that became world champions, then won a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She scored the lone goal against Brazil in a 1-0 victory in last summer's final.

  She has not featured for the Stars this season, having been excused due to "personal reasons," while also not having featured for the U.S. since the Paris Games.

NWSL

North Carolina Courage
North Carolina Courage
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Chicago Stars
Chicago Stars
Friendlies

USA
USA
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China
China
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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Dansby Swanson, 31, is a two-time All-Star. He won a World Series with the Atlanta Braves in 2021 and two back-to-back Gold Glove awards in 2022 and 2023.

  Fellow U.S. international Sophia Wilson also announced earlier this year that she and her husband, Arizona Cardinals Wide Receiver Michael Wilson, were having their first child.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Swanson has made 103 appearances for the U.S. women's national team, scoring 38 goals and registering 31 assists.

• WHAT NEXT FOR THE STARS?

  The Stars sit bottom of the NWSL standings in 15th place, with a record of 1-5-1 across seven matches played. They recently parted ways with head coach Lorne Donaldson and are now searching for a permanent manager.