USWNT’s Christen Press to become first Angel City FC signing

U.S. women’s national team star Christen Press is set to become the first signing in club history for NWSL expansion club Angel City FC, which launches in 2022.

Racing Louisville traded the NWSL rights to sign Press to Angel City on Monday in exchange for $75,000 in allocation money and roster protection from Angel City in the 2021 expansion draft. Angel City will not be able to select a Racing Louisville player in that draft.

Outside of her USWNT exploits and a recent Olympic bronze medal, the 32-year-old Press most recently played for Manchester United and became a free agent after her one-year deal expired in June. She was born in LA, grew up in the city and now becomes the club’s first-ever high-profile signing. 

“My family and friends, they have followed me all over the world,” Press told the LA Times. “So to be able to come and play in front of them week in and week out … just to see them in the stands and know that I’ve come home, for me full circle.”

The news came on the same day that the club announced its first head coach, Freya Coombe, who is currently the head coach of NJ/NY Gotham FC in the NWSL.

Angel City was announced as an NWSL expansion team in July 2020 with the name and marks revealed in the months that followed. 

The club is led by an ownership group that includes USWNT legend Mia Hamm, her husband Nomar Garciaparra, actress Natalie Portman and tennis player Serena Williams, along with a host of former big names.

Press will be the star of Angel City’s forward line and the club will be counting on her to deliver goals. She has scored 64 goals in 155 career appearances for the USWNT and in six NWSL seasons with Chicago Red Stars and the Utah Royals she ammassed 45 goals in 85 appearances.