Angel City’s Christen Press has torn ACL: ‘My heart is broken’

Angel City FC forward Christen Press has torn her ACL, the player and the club announced Monday. She will miss the rest of the season.

Press went down with the injury during Angel City’s 3-2 road win against Racing Louisville on Saturday. She was helped off the field by teammates in the 64th minute. Earlier in the match, Press had registered a goal and an assist.

“My heart is broken: I’ve torn my ACL,” Press wrote on Twitter. “Readily accepting all love, prayers, virtual hugs, dog pics, and smudging ceremonies. Love you all.”

My heart is broken: I’ve torn my acl. Readily accepting all love, prayers, virtual hugs, dog pics, and smudging ceremonies. Love you all xx

— Christen Press (@ChristenPress) June 13, 2022

Angel City FC confirmed the injury with their own announcement. In eight appearances for ACFC this year, Press had two goals and served as a driving force for the expansion club’s offense.

“We are gutted that Christen has experienced this injury,” Angel City coach Freya Coombe said in the release. “She has been incredible on and off the field for us this year. The team, our staff, and the whole Angel City organization are here to fully support Christen during her recovery and return to the pitch.”

The news of the injury came soon after the U.S. women’s national team roster for the upcoming friendlies and World Cup qualifiers was announced. Press was excluded, and though many assumed her injury was the reason, USWNT coach Vlatko Andonovski revealed that was not the case.

“Christen Press was not on the roster even before the injury,” Andonovski told reporters. “We’re very sorry for her injury and don’t have confirming information on the extension or the significance of the injury. We just hope that it is not too serious.”

Five NWSL players have torn their ACLs in the past four months: Press, Marta, Tierna Davidson, Mallory Weber and Annika Schmidt. USWNT star Catarina Macario tore her ACL playing in France for Lyon earlier this month.