Thursday night was special for Angel City FC as they welcomed back United States women’s national team icon Christen Press for the first time in two years.
An ACL injury and four surgeries have kept Press off the field since the knee injury she sustained during a game in June 2022.
Press’ cameo on Thursday was brief as she came on in the 88th minute, but it didn’t take anything away from the emotional and amazing return of a USWNT great.
Christen Press returns
Tell a friend to tell a friend...@ChristenPress IS BAAAAAACK pic.twitter.com/pP8SNeiXHE
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) August 2, 2024
"I didn't ever think there was another path ... I set a goal to come back and I think nothing would have deterred me from getting to this moment."
Our hearts are so happy for you, @ChristenPress pic.twitter.com/e8IjLJQ2Cu— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) August 2, 2024
Angel City were facing San Diego Wave FC in the NWSL X Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup. If the teams are still tied after 90 minutes the game goes straight to a penalty shootout. Press stepped up and put away her penalty as Angel City won 5-3.
JUST LIKE MAGIC ✨ pic.twitter.com/RkyQgERTsT
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) August 2, 2024
Thursday was a wave of nostalgia for USWNT fans with icons like Press, Alex Morgan and Sydney Leroux playing while Tobin Heath was in attendance.
WE'RE EMOTIONAL! pic.twitter.com/kQ6MX3ftem
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 2, 2024
Sydney Leroux and Alex Morgan...16 yr old friendship pic.twitter.com/vS6FXcLJwG
— Zach (@zach13_) August 2, 2024
CP23 & AM13 pic.twitter.com/rkfzPQRFbQ
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 2, 2024
We don’t blame you if you shed a tear or two, even the pitch itself had the waterworks system go off during the game.
Just a surprise sprinkler break, nothing to see here pic.twitter.com/V1v5u9f7iY
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) August 2, 2024
