Christen Press
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| Christen Press | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Christen Press |
| Caption | Press with the United States in 2019 |
| Birth date | 29 December 1988 |
| Birth place | Los Angeles, California |
| Height | 1.70 m |
| Position | Forward |
| College | Santa Clara University |
Christen Press is an American professional soccer forward known for her technical skill, finishing, and versatility. She has played for clubs in the National Women's Soccer League, Damallsvenskan, Women's Super League, and represented the United States women's national soccer team at multiple FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments and the Olympic Games. Press is also notable for advocacy work with organizations like Common Goal and involvement in athlete entrepreneurship and media.
Early life and education
Press was born in Los Angeles and raised in Palos Verdes Estates, California, where she played youth soccer with clubs linked to the U.S. Soccer Development Academy and attended Palos Verdes High School. She earned a scholarship to Santa Clara University, majoring in psychology while starring for the Santa Clara Broncos in NCAA Division I women's soccer, earning accolades such as MAC Hermann Trophy finalist recognition and leading the Broncos to West Coast Conference contention. During college she trained at facilities associated with U.S. Soccer and competed in tournaments organized by United Soccer Coaches and NSCAA.
Club career
Press began her professional career after being drafted into the Women's Professional Soccer landscape and soon joined teams in the National Women's Soccer League including Chicago Red Stars and North Carolina Courage, contributing goals and assists in NWSL competitions and NWSL Championship playoffs. Seeking international experience, she signed with Tyresö FF in the Damallsvenskan in Sweden and later played for Utah Royals FC and Angel City FC in the United States, as well as joining Manchester United W.F.C. in the Women's Super League in England. Press spent part of her career with OL Reign and featured in UEFA-organized matches tied to UEFA Women's Champions League qualifying cycles and domestic cup competitions like the FA Women's Cup.
International career
Press made her senior debut for the United States women's national soccer team under coach Pia Sundhage and later played under Jill Ellis and Vlatko Andonovski, scoring in CONCACAF W Championship qualifiers, SheBelieves Cup fixtures, and friendly matches against nations such as France, Germany, and Brazil. She was named to U.S. squads for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup and the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, contributing goals, assists, and key appearances during knockout rounds and preparation camps at federations' training centers. Press also represented the United States at multi-sport events overseen by the International Olympic Committee, including the 2016 Summer Olympics roster discussions and Olympic qualifying via CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament pathways.
Playing style and reception
Press is frequently described by commentators from outlets like ESPN, The Athletic, and BBC Sport as a fast, technically adept forward with intelligent movement, two-footed finishing, and the ability to play as a winger or central striker in systems employed by clubs such as Manchester United and national team setups. Analysts compare her approach to strikers who excel in counterattacking systems used by coaches like Laura Harvey and Vlatko Andonovski, noting her effectiveness in one-on-one situations, aerial duels, and pressing-regain transitions popularized in UEFA and CONCACAF play. Her performances have been lauded by former players and pundits from United States Soccer Federation broadcasts and described in profiles by sports journalists affiliated with The New York Times and Sports Illustrated.
Personal life
Press has been publicly involved with advocacy and philanthropy, partnering with organizations such as Common Goal, and engaging with media projects and entrepreneurial ventures linked to brands and platforms including Nike and independent production entities. She has spoken about mental health and athlete well-being at events hosted by FIFA and domestic leagues, appeared on podcasts produced by outlets like The Players' Tribune, and participated in panels alongside figures from USWNT alumni and sports leadership from U.S. Soccer Federation.
Honors and achievements
Press's honors include club-level trophies contested in the National Women's Soccer League and recognition in tournament all-star teams and scoring leaderboards for competitions like the SheBelieves Cup and NWSL Challenge Cup. Internationally, she earned medals and championship honors with the United States women's national soccer team at FIFA-organized tournaments and regional competitions such as CONCACAF Women's Championship, and received individual awards from organizations including United Soccer Coaches and league bodies like the NWSL.
Category:American women's soccer players Category:1988 births Category:Living people