Angel City FC and US women's national team forward Christen Press tore the ACL in her right knee and will miss the remainder of the NWSL season, she announced on social media Monday.
Press was helped off the field by her teammates after suffering the injury in the 64th minute of Saturday's 3-2 win over Racing Louisville. The 33-year-old notched a goal and assist prior to leaving the game.
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"My heart is broken: I've torn my ACL,” she said. "Readily accepting all love, prayers, virtual hugs, dog pics, and smudging ceremonies. Love you all xx."
Press has two goals in eight starts for Angel City FC, who sit in fourth place in the NWSL with a 4-3-1 record.
"We are gutted that Christen has experienced this injury," Angel City coach Freya Coombe said. "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."
(Photo: Geoff Burke / USA Today)
How disappointing is this injury?
Megan Linehan, senior women's soccer writer: Any season-ending injury is the kind of news you don't want to report, but this one feels especially bad. Press was Angel City's first signing, and the team's already had a bunch of unexpected injuries through their first season.
While it came as a real surprise that Press wasn't going to be called up for the W Championship even before the injury, she was in form and making a real case to be a factor for the national team's qualifying run.
How does this impact Angel City FC's postseason chances?
Linehan: It's June and the NWSL table has resisted any tidy narratives this season — but if Press would have been available through July as most other rosters get cleaned out for the W Championship, Euros and other tournaments, it could have been a very productive July for her and Angel City.
Instead, the team will once again have to rethink their approach to the starting XI after a major injury.
Who steps up in her absence?
Linehan: It might not just be one player, but a key trio for Angel City will be Jun Endo, Savannah McCaskill and Simone Charley moving forward.
Tyler Lussi and Jasmyne Spencer (who's also currently working through her own recovery) have been getting minutes as outside backs, but head coach Freya Coombe could move them back up to the top line as well.
