For Cubs’ Dansby Swanson, wife Mallory’s goal for USA is golden moment

CHICAGO — Dansby Swanson wore his wife’s jersey and a smile wide enough to stretch from Chicago to Paris after the U.S. women’s national team beat Brazil for the Olympic gold medal Saturday.

The Cubs shortstop went from a bundle of nerves to unbridled joy as he watched the game alone on a couch in his basement. His wife, Mallory, scored the only goal in the 1-0 victory over Brazil, propelling the Americans to their fifth gold medal.

“I definitely raised my fist and screamed, got off the couch and came back to the same spot,” he said before the Cubs’ game against the White Sox in town.

Mallory Swanson scored in the 57th minute with a low shot past Brazilian goalkeeper Lorena after midfielder Korbin Albert found her with a long pass through two Brazilian defenders. Swanson yelled at teammate Sophia Smith to stay away from the ball, knowing she would be offside. The Americans held on and completed an unbeaten run en route to their first gold medal since the 2012 London Games.

“I’m so happy for her,” Dansby Swanson said. “It’s hard to put into words how happy I am for her, and she can enjoy this moment.”

The golden moment came shortly after a knee injury just over a year ago. Mallory Swanson underwent multiple knee surgeries and a lengthy recovery after being stretchered off the pitch in a friendly against Ireland in April 2023, ahead of the Women’s World Cup.

After the United States’ win over Brazil, Dansby Swanson got a call from his wife and they chatted briefly. He wanted her to “go enjoy this incredible moment” and was “grateful” that his parents and best friends were there to witness it.

As for why he was not in Paris, Dansby Swanson said his wife advised him not to ask for a few days off because of his responsibilities to the team. The Cubs were four games out of a wild card heading into Saturday’s game.

A two-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner, Dansby Swanson knows what it’s like to win the biggest prize in sports. He played on Atlanta’s 2021 World Series championship team. Swanson is in his second season with the Cubs after signing a seven-year, $177 million contract.

“I know what I see and what I feel,” he said. “Just seeing the reactions of her teammates to her and the leadership she shows is really special. … It’s been a tough journey to put into words. But I couldn’t be more grateful for how it’s played out and obviously she’s been able to handle the ups, the downs and everything in between.”