USWNT star Mallory Pugh is set to miss the upcoming Summer Series due to a knee injury, according to U.S. Soccer. Pugh has been replaced on the roster by forward Sophia Smith.
Pugh, who currently plays for the Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL, has been a key player for the USWNT since making her debut in 2016. The 23-year-old has earned 66 caps and scored 18 goals for the national team.
The Summer Series, which begins on June 10, will feature the USWNT facing off against Portugal, Jamaica, and Nigeria in a series of friendlies. The matches will serve as preparation for the team ahead of the Tokyo Olympics, which begin on July 23.
The absence of Pugh will be a blow to the USWNT’s preparations for the Summer Series and the Olympics, but the team still boasts plenty of talent in attack, including stars like Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd, and Megan Rapinoe.
Despite Pugh’s injury, the USWNT will be hoping to put in a strong showing in the Summer Series as they look to defend their Olympic title and continue their dominance in women’s soccer.
