Angel City Coach Addresses Christen Press’ Absence in NWSL Kick-Off Against San Diego

“and I could not be more excited to journey with you for another season! LFG!” These words from Christen Press a month ago were nothing short of music to the ears of ardent fans. Why wouldn’t they be? After all, the USWNT icon essentially announced her return from a two-year injury layoff by signing a one-year deal with Angel City. While this makes the forward one of the most anticipated players this season, why is she still yet to make her return to the pitch?

This comes after the 36-year-old was surprisingly absent from yesterday’s 2025 NWSL season opener against the San Diego Wave. Although Christen was on the bench, giving fans hope that she might make a late-game appearance, the final whistle blew after 90 minutes—with no sign of her on the pitch.

Naturally, this left fans questioning why she wasn’t used by the interim ACFC boss, Sam Laity. Interestingly, the English tactician had an explanation ready for it. “She was available…The game was getting extremely transitional, so perhaps not a game for Christen now… in terms of her recovery,” said Laity, as compiled by Just Women’s Sports on X.