After a long and arduous recovery process, Christen Press is back.
More than two years after suffering a season-ending ACL injury, the USWNT forward and two-time World Cup champion is back on the court. Press made her season debut for Angel City FC during the club’s Summer Cup match against the San Diego Wave at Titan Stadium in Fullerton, California, on Thursday.
Press came on in the 88th minute of Angel City FC’s win over the Wave. The match went to penalty kicks and she received a loud applause from the crowd.
Press then converted a penalty to help Angel City to victory.
Press’ girlfriend, fellow USWNT star Tobin Heath, was also there to cheer her on.
Press was officially cleared from Angel City’s season-ending injured list on Wednesday, sparking excitement over the forward’s long-awaited return.
Press’ recovery has been met with setbacks: In July 2023, Press announced she would require a fourth surgery to repair her anterior cruciate ligament. But the 35-year-old forward has persevered in time to make a triumphant return to the pitch, more than 781 days after her injury.
Press returned to training in mid-June and began a slow build-up with Angel City. During her first training in two years, Press told the media that she had done a lot of self-reflection during her absence.
“When you lose something that you love so much, I think you learn to figure out who you really are and what you really are and what you care about. And it allows you to live in a way that is more in balance with your truth or your inner wisdom,” Press said. “Through trying to heal my knee, through struggling and trying to find ways to heal my knee, I’ve been able to heal a lot of myself. I’ve healed a lot more than just my knee.”
Press joined Angel City in 2022, becoming the first player to sign with the expansion team to a three-season contract reportedly worth $700,000, making her one of the highest-paid NWSL players at the time. However, she made just eight appearances for the team before suffering an injury. Now, she has the chance to make her real start with Angel City.
