It’s been an interesting 2018 season for United States forward Christen Press. Controversy surrounded the 29-year-old when allocated United States Women’s National team players returned to National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) rosters in March. Every player allocated returned to their club with the exception of Press. She was unhappy with the results of a blockbuster three team trade that saw Carli Lloyd join Sky Blue FC, Sam Kerr join the Chicago Red Stars, and Christen Press join the Houston Dash.
Kerr and Lloyd happily followed orders, joining their new teams. Press never acknowledged the trade and days later the NWSL league office informed the Houston Dash she was heading to Sweden to play on a short-term contract. Press cut her teeth in Sweden with Tyresö FF, where she grew into the prolific scorer fans have come to know and love. An international window came shortly after the controversy and Christen Press was nowhere to be found on the roster.
Was U.S. Soccer punishing the forward? Head coach Jill Ellis broke it down for the media in early March. “At this point Christen is in the process of securing a club team,” U.S. head coach Jill Ellis told The Equalizer. “We’ve had several conversations and she understands our expectations are that a consistent training and match environment for a professional is an important factor for selection into Women’s national team rosters.”
Since settling in with Göteberg FC, Press has rejoined the USWNT ranks and is adapting to the role of facilitator. She has made her living by being a strong center forward, but on Tuesday night in Cleveland, Ohio, demonstrated she was capable of much more.
For her 100th appearance with the Women’s National team, head coach Jill Ellis asked Press to play wide. What she got was a dynamic performance from the 29-year-old.
“We pushed Christen out into a wide area and I thought she was fantastic,” Ellis said. “I think she gave us a lot on both sides of the ball, worked hard and created chances.”
Press has never been one to rest on her laurels. She was pleased with Tuesday’s performance and what she accomplished with the national team but always wants more. However, she did take some time to step back and reflect on her lengthy career in U.S. Soccer. She became just the 37th player to reach 100 caps with the USWNT.
“I can remember exactly how it felt before I had a cap on this team, when I was on the outside looking in,” Press recalled. “The funny thing is 100 caps later and it kind of doesn’t feel that different. I think the national team isn’t a place where you rest, it isn’t a place where you’re satisfied or content, it’s always challenging. Every time you step on the field it kind of feels like it’s your first cap again. I’m very honored for all of the opportunities I’ve been given to represent my country and to play for this team, it’s a special team and I’m very happy after tonight.”
