If you add up all the minutes Christen Press has played in three of the six games so far in 2025, it still doesn’t even amount to the first half of a typical match. Yep, you read that correctly! Since the USWNT veteran signed a year-long contract extension with Angel City after returning from a long-term ACL injury, fans were certainly hoping to see more of the star forward. However, the situation for Press is quite different, as she clearly isn’t getting the ideal minutes one would expect. While supporters have already voiced their frustration, the latest to join the chorus is none other than Christen’s manager, Denise White.
The boiling point was the recent game against Orlando Pride, which ACFC ended up losing. Despite being on the bench, Christen Press didn’t get a chance to see any action. Instead, she watched her team squander a 2-0 first-half lead to lose 3-2 at full-time. So far, her appearances have been as a substitute. After missing the first two 1-1 draws against the San Diego Wave and Portland Thorns, the 36-year-old made her debut in the third match, a 2-1 victory over Seattle Reign, playing just five minutes.
In the next two games — a 3-1 win against Houston Dash and a 4-0 loss to Gotham FC — she was subbed in during the final 15 minutes. Notably, fans gave some backlash to both the club’s management and interim boss Sam Laity post-Pride defeat. However, Denise White was already onto this issue before the game had even kicked-off. The manager came across an Instagram post from Angel City where the California-based club shared their starting XI for Friday’s game at Inter & Co.’s stadium.
Noticing her client on the bench list, White couldn’t control her emotions, taking to comments and writing, “Christen Press needs to be starting. How do you have a two-time World Cup Champion and Olympian and not start her?” Diana also gave an injury update on the 36-year-old stating there are no concerns whatsoever surrounding her.
“It’d be different if she was still hurt but she’s completely healthy. You have a Ferrari in the garage but not willing to take it out. Doesn’t make sense. Come on Angel City do better Coach,” concluded Diana White, vocally making a plea to Laity and the coaching staff to start giving Press her deserved minutes.
The post Christen Press’ Manager Joins Fans to Question Angel City’s Management While Clearing Air on Her Health Status appeared first on EssentiallySports.
