Mallory Swanson, Sam Staab Thrived with USWNT During International Window

It was an exciting international window for the four members of the Chicago Red Stars who were called up to their respective national teams. Natalia Kuikka and Finland kept themselves in the W EURO qualifying picture, Mallory Swanson looked like her old self, Sam Staab made her USWNT debut, and Sydney Schneider played well against Brazil during the June window ahead of the Red Stars' pre-Olympic push.

Here’s how they performed:

Mallory Swanson (USA)

Mallory Swanson thrived in new USWNT head coach Emma Hayes’ system, helping her side defeat South Korea 7-0 on aggregate between their two friendlies during the international window. Swanson scored twice in her home state of Colorado before coming off the bench in Minnesota and helping create Sophia Smith’s 67th-minute goal. A front three of Swanson, Smith, and Trinity Rodman would be exceedingly interesting to see from Hayes at the Summer Olympics in Paris.

Sam Staab (USA)

Sam Staab’s first senior USWNT call-up was a success and the Red Stars’ center back capped off the exciting week by starting and playing the entirety of the Americans' 3-0 win over South Korea in St. Paul, Minnesota. Staab made her senior USWNT debut in Commerce City, Colorado when she came on in the 61st minute in the 4-0 win over South Korea and she continued her strong play throughout her time on the pitch in Minnesota.

Natalia Kuikka (Finland)

It wasn’t the best international window for Natalia Kuikka and Finland as they remain at the bottom of W EURO Qualification League A Group 1 after four matches. Kuikka started and played the entirety of both matches against top-of-the-group Netherlands (a 1-0 loss on May 31 and then a 1-1 draw on June 4), but her side is still looking up to the other three teams in Group 1. With four points, Finland will need results and some help in their qualifiers in July to qualify for the W EURO tournament.

Sydney Schneider (Jamaica)

Schneider was an unused substitute in Jamaica’s first match against Brazil but started and made six saves in Jamaica’s 4-0 loss to Brazil in Salvador on Tuesday evening.

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