USWNT: With 2023 World Cup on the horizon, Mallory Swanson owns her role, hopes to inspire teammates

The forward is on a multi-game scoring streak and leads the team in goals this calendar year

The United States women's national team are undefeated in 2023 and lead the standings in the SheBelieves Cup after their 1-0 win against Japan on Sunday. Part of the team's impressive run of games is due to the remarkable form of Mallory Swanson. The winger is now on a five-game scoring streak that dates back to November and leads the team with six goals scored over their four games this calendar year. 

Swanson's ability to stretch backlines and be an option on and off the ball has made the teams' top line difficult to defend. She's been a long-time collaborative option for her teammates, at times opting for the extra outlet, instead of taking the shot. But as the World Cup gets closer, Swanson has tasked herself with finishing her chances when presented with them. 

"I think this offseason, I kind of just reevaluated my game, and I think what one thing was I wasn't finishing easy chances last calendar year. So, I just wanted to come into this year and just be able to finish easy chances," Swanson said after the match.