It had been 710 days since U.S. Women’s National Team fans saw either Mallory Swanson or Ashley Sanchez compete in a USWNT jersey.
Both forwards last appeared for the U.S. on Oct. 30, 2024, and returned together on Oct. 10, 2026, against Spain. Three days later, they both scored second-half goals to help the team rally from a two-goal deficit to earn a 2-2 draw against the reigning world champions.
Though their returns unfolded side-by-side, the journeys that brought them back to the National Team were distinctly different.
For Swanson, her last appearance came a few months after she scored the gold medal-clinching goal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and just before she announced her pregnancy. The 28-year-old had her daughter, Josie, in November of 2025 before returning to professional play with the Chicago Stars on May 16, 2026.
Swanson was named to the USWNT’s June roster, but she did not see action in either of the two matches in Brazil. Finally getting back on the field this month was an emotional moment for both Swanson and her teammates.
“It was so special having Mal back on the field,” said Sophia Wilson, Swanson’s ‘Triple Espresso’ teammate. “I know how hard she has worked to get back, and it's not easy. Just seeing her get back on the field looking like herself, I'm just so proud of her.”
For Sanchez, that 2024 match was her only appearance of that year. After her last call-up in January of 2025, she did not return to the team as U.S. head coach Emma Hayes continued to evaluate and develop the player pool.
Her club performances this NWSL season, however, made a compelling case for her return. In 27 matches for the North Carolina Courage, Sanchez has scored 20 goals – more than her first five professional seasons combined – and is one goal shy of setting the new NWSL single-season scoring record.
Swanson and Sanchez both entered the first match in the 66th minute and immediately provided a spark off the bench. They nearly converted on one of the final chances of the match when Swanson sent a cross behind Spain’s backline to Sanchez on the left wing, but her sliding shot went wide.
“They both bring such quality and talent,” defender Tierna Davidson said. “When they came in, the quality of the game rose. We had lots of opportunities that they had a big hand in creating. They're fantastic, and I'm really happy to have both of them back.”
Their impact showed even more in the rematch on Oct. 13, with Sanchez earning a spot in the starting lineup.
“I've been impressed with her all week,” Hayes said before Tuesday’s match. “I've been impressed with her character and how easily she has settled into the group. I think the team really needs an Ashley Sanchez to step forward and provide a little more competition and she’s done a good job.”
Sanchez made the most of her opportunity and opened the scoring for the U.S. right out of halftime. After corralling a long cross from Wilson and carrying the ball inside the box, she slipped her shot into the bottom right corner for her fourth international goal and first since 2022.
Swanson, who again entered the match shortly after the hour mark, followed with a milestone of her own. In the 86th minute, Swanson smashed a volley from 15 yards out into the lower left corner to secure the equalizer. It was her 39th career international goal and her first since the 2024 Olympic final. She became the 12th mother to score for the USWNT.
“It feels really good, a little surreal,” Swanson said about the goal. “It's nice just to get that first one out of the way. It's a big step in the right direction.”
With World Cup qualifying approaching next month, the timing of both returns offers the USA an important boost. Beyond their individual contributions, Swanson and Sanchez bring experience, attacking quality and established relationships with teammates as the group prepares for the next stage of this cycle.
“It’s just really good being back and getting on the same page again,” Swanson said. “Connecting with everyone off the field and on the field, it's been fun.”
