When Christen Press ruptured her right ACL in June 2022, not many would have predicted what was to come. The Angel City attacker’s rehabilitation didn’t go exactly as planned and she underwent 4 surgeries. The veteran star has been recovering on her own for the past few months. But yesterday, for the first time in a while, Press returned to team training for the NWSL side. Her day consisted of warm-ups and passing drills.

Press had been training around the team for the past few months. Yet, she did not participate in group drills until Tuesday. Regarding the return, she said, “To be back in my team training, which is a small milestone, but one that you [the media] are all here for, it feels like a full circle kind of moment.” But she cautioned, “It’s going to be a little while before you see me in a game, so be patient.”

The NWSL season runs until November and if all goes well, there is a chance we might see a Christen Press cameo this season. In the meantime, Press has a ‘detailed plan‘ which she hopes to persist with in her rehabilitation. While the 35-year-old is beaming with excitement over her return to match-day action, she recognizes the need for patience.

But, it’s not just Christen Press who has been a big miss for coach Becki Tweed. Fello, attacker June Endo is also out for the season with an ACL injury. The duo’s absence has left Angel City FC with a major problem.

Here’s how the absence of Christen Press and Jun Endo impacted Angel City this season

With a squad value of $180 million, Alexis Ohanian’s side is the most expensive outfit in the division. Yet, their performances this season haven’t translated to the extent expected. The team is currently languishing in the 12th position. As of right now, they have accumulated just 11 points from as many games. The concerning number is the fact that they have managed just 3 wins so far. The major reason for their underperformance has been their efficiency in front of goal.

In the 11 games, Angel City FC has scored just 12 goals, not the best of returns. The absence of Christen Press and Jun Endo had a major bearing on this. With 132 career goals to date, Press is one of the best goalscorers in women’s soccer. With 4 goals and 6 assists in 40 plus games, Jun Endo was the creative spark for the side. The duo’s absence has significantly weakened Angel City FC, but can coach Becki Tweed script a turnaround in the coming half of the season? Let us know your thoughts below.