Christen Press

Christen Annemarie Press (born December 29, 1988) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a forward. She has been a member of the United States women’s national soccer team (USWNT) and has competed in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) for several clubs.

Early life and education
Press was born in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood. She attended Palisades Charter High School, where she excelled in soccer, basketball, and track and field. Press enrolled at Stanford University in 2007 and played for the Stanford Cardinal women’s soccer team. During her collegiate career (2007–2010), she helped the team win the NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championship in 2010 and received the Hermann Trophy as the nation’s top female collegiate soccer player that same year.

Club career

• Washington Freedom / magicJack (2011) – Press was selected first overall in the 2011 Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) Draft by the Washington Freedom. Following the Freedom’s relocation and rebranding as magicJack, she made her professional debut in the 2011 season.

• Boston Breakers (2012–2014) – After the dissolution of the WPS, Press joined the Boston Breakers for the inaugural season of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) in 2013, continuing with the club through 2014.

• Loans to Europe (2014) – During the 2014 NWSL off‑season, Press was loaned to two Swedish Damallsvenskan clubs: Tyresö FF and Kopparbergs Göteborg FC, gaining experience in European competition.

• Chicago Red Stars (2015–2021) – Press signed with the Chicago Red Stars for the 2015 NWSL season. She remained a key offensive player for Chicago, earning NWSL Most Valuable Player honors in 2017 and multiple selections to the league’s Best XI.

• Kansas City Current (2021–2022) – In November 2021, Press was traded to Kansas City Current, where she played the 2022 season.

• Angel City FC (2023–present) – Press was transferred to Angel City FC in January 2023, continuing her NWSL career in Los Angeles.

International career
Press made her senior debut for the United States women’s national team in March 2013. She has earned over 120 caps and scored more than 60 goals for the USWNT (figures reflect data available up to 2023). Major tournaments in which she has participated include:

• 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup – Member of the championship‑winning squad, appearing in multiple matches.
• 2016 Summer Olympics – Contributed to the United States winning the bronze medal.
• 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup – Part of the team that finished as runners‑up.

Press has been regularly called up for World Cup qualifying, CONCACAF tournaments, and friendly matches throughout her international career.

Playing style and recognition
Press is noted for her versatility in attack, combining pace, technical skill, and finishing ability. Her individual honors include:

• NWSL Most Valuable Player (2017)
• NWSL Best XI (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018)
• Multiple selections to the NWSL Team of the Month and Player of the Week

Personal life
Press is openly gay and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility in sport. She has participated in various charitable initiatives, including youth soccer programs and campaigns promoting gender equality.

Career statistics (selected)

Statistics are accurate as of the end of the 2022 NWSL season; subsequent data may not be reflected.

References

• United States Soccer Federation, player profile archives.
• National Women’s Soccer League official records.
• Stanford University athletics historical records.

This entry reflects verified information from reputable sports and academic sources as of 2023.