Swanson began practicing with the senior team in September 2014, and at the time of signing his first professional contract was the longest-tenured Crew Youth player in organization history.

Later in the season, he was chosen to take part in the 2015 MLS Homegrown Game alongside fellow Crew SC HGP Matt Lampson.

[5] Swanson replaced Dillon Serna at halftime against Club América U20s, tallying a shot as the MLS players were defeated 1–1, 5–4 on penalties.

[6] He did not appear in any other match for Crew SC on the season, but was sent to Germany late in the year to train with the reserve and youth teams of multiple clubs to help gain experience.

Although Swanson was sent on loan to begin the 2016 season, he was recalled midway through the year by Crew SC, with the club battling injuries and international call-ups.

The attrition allowed Swanson to make his club and MLS debut on June 1, replacing Mohammed Saeid in the 74th minute against Philadelphia Union.

It would mark Swanson's only appearance on the season for Columbus, as he was recalled from loan and placed on the Season-Ending Injury List in July after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder.

[20] A week later, Swanson started for the first time on the season against FC Cincinnati, but was replaced by Michael Green in the 63rd minute of an eventual 1–0 defeat for the Riverhounds.

[21] Swanson also started in the third match of the season for Pittsburgh, away to Charleston Battery on April 8, but was forced off injured in the 13th minute after a hard foul by Romario Williams.