It’s the first month of 2025 and we couldn’t have witnessed a better surprise than Christen Press‘ return. The veteran, who had missed more than a couple of years of action, is finally back after having signed a contract extension with Angel City. While it would be natural for the forward to celebrate and prepare for making her much-awaited return to the field, Press is rather busy giving a one-word tribute to her former USWNT teammate Alyssa Naeher.

The goalkeeper had recently hung up her boots on the international stage at the end of the 2024 season. Having played a crucial role in Emma Hayes and Co.’s gold medal triumph at the Paris Olympics, the Chicago Red Stars goalie was contesting for the annual US Soccer awards that have been given since 1985.

Nominated for the 2024 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year alongside defender Naomi Girma and star attacking trio of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson, Naeher managed to get the much-deserved international farewell by winning the award. Interestingly, a congratulatory graphic of the veteran goalie was shared by the US Soccer on Instagram.

This had to catch the eye of Christen Press, who halted her own celebrations of making a much-anticipated return from injury and rather heralded Naeher’s award win. Notably, the Angel City star reshared the post on her Instagram story and wrote a heartfelt yet praiseful caption to describe Alyssa stating, “GOAT.”

Clearly, Press, who has won 2 FIFA Women’s World Cups and a bronze medal in the 2020 Olympics with Naeher, looks proud of her former national teammate’s recent achievement. Sadly, the 36-year-old forward who surely would also be looking forward to making her USWNT return wouldn’t get to share a locker room with Alyssa Naeher on the international front ever again.

Then again, it was quite thoughtful of Press to make time to commend Naeher’s award win. We hope that at least now, the Angel City star has returned to preparing for her on-pitch return.

Christen Press looks to resume her incomplete story after extending Angel City stay

It was on Friday when news broke about the 2x World Champion having signed a year-long deal with the Los Angeles, California-based club. “LA, it was always you,” said Press while speaking about her welcoming back to her hometown club after being sidelined due to an ACL tear.

“This city’s strength and resilience inspires me, and I could not be more proud to represent LA — my home city — when I step out onto the pitch this season. To this community of fans, your love and support has gotten me through a lot — we’ve been through a lot together — and I could not be more excited to journey with you for another season! LFG!”

Due to her injury, Press has only played seventeen games for Angel City, scoring three goals. That, however, doesn’t undermine the importance of her return to the club. Having seen her side finish the 2024 NWSL season in 12th place, Christen would surely be looking to give her best in the upcoming campaign.

Beyond the much-needed attacking depth, Press also brings crucial leadership and experience to the young players and those in their prime. Although she hasn’t played a lot of matches for Angel City, he record with the national team is quite impressive. Having played 155 games, Press has recorded 64 goals and 43 assists. Going forward in the 2025 NWSL season, she is sure to keep opponent teams on their toes.