Stars Struggle Deepens as Swanson Ruled Out with Knee Injury

FolioPitch.com – 24 July 2026 | The Chicago Stars will face a daunting challenge in Orlando on Friday as Mallory Swanson has been ruled out due to a knee injury. The news, confirmed by the club Wednesday, marks a significant setback for a team already reeling from a season of offensive woes. Swanson knee out for Stars on Friday, the first match she has missed since returning from maternity leave in May. The injury, which occurred during training, adds to a growing list of casualties that has decimated the Stars’ frontline.

Swanson had been a key contributor since her return, playing the full 90 minutes in three consecutive games before the injury. Her absence comes on the heels of a devastating blow to the squad: forward Jordyn Huitema was diagnosed with a torn ACL after leaving last week’s match against Angel City FC in the first half. Huitema led the team with four goals, half of the Stars’ meager total of eight this season. Swanson knee out for Stars on Friday leaves the team with even fewer attacking options. Swanson herself has one goal, leaving only three among uninjured players—though one of those, Tessa Dellarose, has not played since May 5. The remaining goal scorers, Nadia Gomes and Samantha Staab, featured in the last match but have combined for just three goals.

The timing of Swanson knee out for Stars on Friday could not be worse. The Stars have been shut out in all 11 losses this season and have scored a league-low eight goals. Their struggles in Orlando are particularly acute: they have been outscored 10-0 in their last two visits to Inter.co Stadium, including a 4-0 quarterfinal loss in 2024 and a 6-0 defeat in the 2025 season opener. The team’s record since the start of 2025 stands at 7-23-11, with only 40 goals in 41 matches. Swanson knee out for Stars on Friday further dims the prospect of ending that drought.

Without Swanson and Huitema, the Stars will likely turn to players like Gomes and Staab to lead the line, but the lack of depth is evident. Head coach Chris Petrucelli did not provide a timeline for Swanson’s return, saying only that the team will evaluate her week-to-week. The Stars are already mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, but the remaining matches are crucial for building momentum for the 2027 season. For now, however, the focus is on a struggling offense that has been unable to find the net consistently. Swanson knee out for Stars on Friday underscores the urgent need for reinforcements in the offseason.

In conclusion, the injury to Swanson piles on the misery for a Stars team that has been plagued by injuries and poor form. With their two most productive forwards sidelined, the Stars face an uphill battle to salvage pride in their remaining games. The front office will likely prioritize acquiring attacking talent in the transfer window, but for now, the team must rely on a depleted squad to face a formidable Orlando side. The news of Swanson knee out for Stars on Friday is a harsh reminder of the fragility of even the most dependable players. The Stars will hope this is just a short-term setback, but the long-term implications for the club’s offensive identity are sobering.