After 14 years, 155 caps, 64 goals, and 43 assists, two FIFA World Cup Championships, and an Olympic bronze medal with the United States Women’s National Team, Christen Press has announced the end of her professional soccer career.
Press was part of the historic 2015 and 2019 USWNT World Cup teams, winning gold at both. She has been known for her creative footwork and accurate shooting, recording 107 goal contributions at the national level, making her one of 14 USWNT players to reach 100.
Press’ most iconic moment is her game winning goal against Spain in 2019. Press’ mother had recently been diagnosed with brain cancer, and Press wanted to leave her USWNT duties to stay with her.
Press’ mother insisted that she did not abandon her duties, and Press scored the game-winning goal. This was the last goal that Press’ mother saw before she passed away later that night.
At the club level, Press recorded 112 National Women’s Soccer League caps and 49 goals. She also had 50 goals in 69 appearances while playing at clubs internationally.
Press is ending her career at Angel City FC, where she recorded four goals in her four seasons with the team. She was also the club’s first signing.
Her first two goals with the club came before she tore her ACL in June 2022, during ACFC’s inaugural season. After four surgeries and over two years of recovery, Press made her comeback in August 2024.
In an interview with Good Morning America when she announced her retirement, Press said, “I thought I would wait until I didn’t want to play anymore, but I realized that time’s never going to come.”
Angel City did not make playoffs this year, finishing the season in 11th place. Press’ last game will be against the Chicago Stars on Sunday at 5 p.m.
