Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Christen Press

Discover the career path of Christen Press, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Christen Press is an American professional soccer player for Angel City FC in the NWSL and the United States national team. She debuted for the national team on February 9, 2013, in a friendly against Scotland. A prolific goalscorer, she has earned 155 caps for the USWNT and currently ranks ninth all-time with 64 goals. Beyond her athletic career, Press is also an entrepreneur and sports journalist.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

March 6, 2013: Third Cap for the National Team

On March 6, 2013, Christen Press earned her third cap for the national team at the Algarve Cup, substituting in during the 64th minute for Carli Lloyd in the match against Iceland, which the U.S. won 3-0.

March 8, 2013: Scores Against China

On March 8, 2013, during a group stage match, Christen Press scored the fourth goal in a 5–0 win over China at the Algarve Cup. With this goal, Press became the fifth women's national team player to score at least four goals in her first four matches.

February 8, 2014: Scores Goal Against Russia

On February 8, 2014, Christen Press scored a goal against Russia in a friendly match.

February 13, 2014: Scores Again Against Russia

On February 13, 2014, Christen Press scored again against Russia in another friendly match.

April 2018: Left Off US Roster

In April 2018, after being traded against her wishes to the Houston Dash, Christen Press declined to join the team and was considering offers from Swedish clubs. As a result, she was left off the U.S. roster for friendlies against Mexico.

January 2019: Scores Goal Against Spain

In January 2019, Christen Press scored the only goal in a 1–0 victory over Spain in a friendly match held in Alicante.

May 2, 2019: Named to 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup Roster

On May 2, 2019, Christen Press was named to the final 23–player roster for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, marking her second time playing in the tournament.

November 7, 2019: Scores 50th International Goal

On November 7, 2019, Christen Press became the 12th player in USWNT history to score 50 international goals. She scored her 50th goal in the 28th minute of a friendly match against Sweden, which the United States won 3-2, and she also recorded an assist in the game.

August 23, 2021: Traded to Angel City FC

On August 23, 2021, Racing Louisville FC traded Christen Press's NWSL playing rights to Angel City FC, receiving a first-round pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft, $75,000 in allocation money, and roster protection in the 2021 NWSL Expansion Draft. Press signed a two-year contract with an optional third year with Angel City FC, reportedly worth $700,000, making her one of the highest-paid players in NWSL history.

June 13, 2022: Omitted from National Team Roster

On June 13, 2022, Christen Press was not included in the 23-player roster ahead of the 2022 CONCACAF W Championship, a decision that was questioned by the media and fans.

June 11, 2024: Returns to Training

On June 11, 2024, Christen Press returned to training with the Angel City senior team, marking two years since she originally tore her ACL.

August 1, 2024: Returns to the Field after Injury

On August 1, 2024, Christen Press returned to the field after 781 days since her ACL injury, playing in a NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup match against the San Diego Wave. The match ended in a scoreless draw, but Press converted her penalty kick in the ensuing shootout, which Angel City won.

October 12, 2024: Scores First Regular Season Goal Since ACL Injury

On October 12, 2024, Christen Press scored her first regular season goal for Angel City since tearing her ACL, during a match against the North Carolina Courage which ended in a draw. This game also marked Press's 100th appearance in the NWSL regular season.

October 2024: Returns to Club Play

In October 2024, Christen Press returned to playing for her club team after recovering from an ACL tear, but she has not yet been called up to the national team since then.