Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Veteran striker Christen Press, left off the U.S. women’s national team roster for World Cup and Olympic qualifying on Monday, announced that she is sidelined after tearing an anterior cruciate ligament.
Press was hurt while playing for Angel City FC against Racing Louisville on Saturday. Earlier in the NWSL game, won 3-2 by Angel City, Press recorded a goal and an assist.
She tweeted on Monday, “My heart is broken: I’ve torn my acl. Readily accepting all love, prayers, virtual hugs, dog pics, and smudging ceremonies. Love you all xx”
Angel City confirmed that Press will miss the remainder of the franchise’s inaugural season. She scored two goals in eight games for the expansion team.
“We are gutted that Christen has experienced this injury,” Angel City coach Freya Coombe said in a statement. “She has been incredible on and off the field for us this year. The team, our staff, and the whole Angel City organization are here to fully support Christen during her recovery and return to the pitch.”
Press, 33, scored for the championship-winning U.S. World Cup teams in 2015 in Canada and 2019 in France. She also was part of the United States’ bronze-medal squad in the Tokyo Olympics last year.
Earlier Monday, U.S. coach Vlatko Andonovski announced his 23-player roster for the upcoming CONCACAF W Championship in Mexico, and Press wasn’t among his selections.
Andonovski said, “Christen was not on the roster even before the injury. We’re very sorry for her injury and don’t have confirmed information on the significance. We just hope it’s not too serious.”
The forwards chosen for the upcoming U.S. matches are Alex Morgan, Megan Rapinoe, Trinity Rodman, Mallory Pugh, Midge Purce, Ashley Hatch and Sophia Smith.
–Field Level Media