Volatile might be the perfect word to sum up Angel City FC’s 2025 NWSL season so far. Talk about patterned perfection—first came two draws, then back-to-back wins, and now, two straight defeats as the latest one came today against the Orlando Pride. While this rollercoaster run has left their form up in the air, fans are more focused on the absence of veteran star Christen Press, slamming the head coach for again not bringing the forward into the fold.
So far, her only appearances have come as a substitute. After missing the opening two 1-1 draws against the San Diego Wave and Portland Thorns, the 36-year-old finally stepped onto the pitch in the third match—a 2-1 win over Seattle Reign—playing just five minutes. In the following two games, a 3-1 win against Houston Dash and a prior 4-0 loss to Gotham FC, she was brought on in the final 15 minutes.
Today’s game against Orlando Pride was a completely different instance where despite being on the bench, Christen Press wasn’t given a chance to lace up her boots for some action. On top of that, she rather watched her side bottle an easy 0-2 first-half lead by losing 3-2 at full time.
Angel City fans fume over Christen Press’ situation
Following the full-time whistle at Inter & Co. Stadium, ardent ACFC fans couldn’t hold their frustration over obvious transpired events. While the unfortunate defeat is one thing, the absence of Christen Press was salt in their wounds.
Just the beginning of this year, the 36-year-old had sent her ardent supporters over the moon by announcing her year-long contract extension at the club. On top of that, a tough ACL tear had already sidelined Press for over two seasons across both club and country. Now, despite appearing fully fit, she still isn’t getting the playing time she deserves:
“We want CP23! She worked hard to recover and come back. She deserves more respect!”
“Christen Press deserves so much better”
“I have no words. I’m proud of the players for their effort. I don’t understand the lack of timely substitutions. It’s obvious that this coach is not ready to lead a team. Not subbing in Christen Press is a choice I will never understand.”
“Does the coach hate Press? Why is our most proven goal scorer the team was built on not playing when we are desperate for goals?!?!?!”
“Christen Press: top 10 forward all time country and league, had better stats in less time than the players starting over her literally last game, says she’s healthy, literally started a game last season post injury yet this Sam Laity guy treats her like she doesn’t exist? He’d rather lose than play the face of the franchise, if that’s not a fireable offense I don’t know what is.”
(This is a developing story…)
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