U.S. women's national team forward and two-time World Cup champion Christen Press has been reactivated from Angel City's season-ending injury list and is available for selection in the team's match against San Diego Wave FC on Thursday.
Press last played on June 11, 2022, when she tore the anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee in a National Women's Soccer League game. She has since undergone four knee surgeries and missed all of 2023, including the World Cup.
“You have to accept that things won't turn out the way you think, but maybe they'll turn out even better,” Press said in a statement. “That's the hope I have for the next phase of my recovery.”
“I'm so proud of all the hard work that has gotten me to this point and thankful to the army of people around me who have helped me get here. Thank you to the women's football family who have supported me every step of the way… I can't wait to get back to playing for you all.”
Press, a Southern California native, was Angel City's first addition as the team assembled its roster ahead of the NWSL's 2022 expansion season. She has scored 50 goals in all competitions in 101 NWSL games.
“This is a direct result of two consecutive years of hard work and determination by Christen to get back in the game,” Angel City head coach Becki Tweed said in a statement. “She is a leader on and off the court and we are thrilled to have her available for selection.”
Thursday's match between Angel City and San Diego is part of the NWSL x Liga MX Summer Cup. The NWSL regular season resumes in late August.
Press, 35, won the 2015 and 2019 World Cups with the U.S. women's national team, as well as the 2021 Olympic bronze medal. She scored the opening goal in the U.S. women's national team's 2019 World Cup semifinal victory over England.
Previously, Press played for Manchester United in England's top flight, as well as the Chicago Red Stars and Utah Royals in the NWSL.
She turned pro in 2011 and won the WPS Rookie of the Year award with magicJack before that league folded and she left for Sweden, where she became the first American to win a Golden Boot award. She also played in the 2014 UEFA Champions League final.
