Looks like Angel City finally cracked the winning code. After a vague start to the 2025 NWSL campaign with back-to-back 1-1 draws, the third time truly proved to be the charm for the Los Angeles side as they secured a crucial win over Seattle Reign yesterday. While the team celebrates its first three points, veteran Christen Press also shared a heartfelt message with her fans amid growing frustration over her game time.

Initially having sent the ACFC supporters over the moon after signing a year-long contract extension earlier this year, the forward was yet to make an appearance on the pitch up until last night. Though she came off the bench for a mere five-minute gig, she still feels grateful for the opportunity.

Press took to Instagram stories, where she had a special message for all the Angel City fans for their extended support. “Woke up this morning and wanted to say THANK YOU. I felt so much love from my teammates and fans in the stadium last night in just the few minutes I played. What a gift you all are! Great team win!” wrote Press.

Aside from finally getting the opportunity to lace up her boots, the former Manchester United star also feels thankful for the three points which helped the team secure fourth place with five points. Not to forget that even though she received fewer minutes, it didn’t take her much time to make an impact.

One opportunity saw her make a brilliant dribble, only to be intercepted by a Seattle Reign defender. Fortunately, that dispossession was eventually picked up by Press’ teammate Madison Hammond, who made a pass to Kennedy Fuller outside the 18-yard box. A play was created between the two as Hammond found Press for a simple tap-in pass inside the 6-yard box.

While the 36-year-old did find the back of the net before being tackled by a Seattle defender, it was eventually ruled out for offside. Instead, it was a sublime finish from Alyssa Thompson in the opening 8 minutes and a bullet header from Riley Tiernan in the hour mark that turned the Reign’s 12th-minute penalty equalizer into a mere consolation. 

Had Press’ goal stood, it certainly would have been a good day at the office for the veteran. While she must be disappointed that it didn’t count, we wonder if the forward is also concerned about the other situation her fans are upset about.

What’s going on with Christen Press’ game time at Angel City?

Already, an unfortunate tear in the ACL saw the iconic forward miss out on more than a couple of seasons’ action both domestically and internationally. Now, as she re-signed with Angel City for the 2025 campaign, she isn’t getting ideal minutes on the pitch, even though she looks fully recovered from her injuries.

Interim boss Sam Laitey has kept Press on the bench in the last two NWSL matches. It was somehow in this match that he decided to send the veteran on the pitch, but only for a mere six minutes. Since then, it has become quite a debatable topic among ardent fans. They are expressing their frustration over the Laity’s ignorance of using Christen more frequently.

For instance, NWSL reshared the disallowed goal of Press on X, asking the netizens what it would have meant if CP23’s goal had been counted. Interestingly, this saw one fan say, “IMAGINE IF THE COACH GAVE HER MEANINGFUL MINUTES and let her [Christen] and Alyssa build chemistry together. it stands in all our hearts!”

Another fan wrote, “Our franchise player, best finisher, top 10 all time for country and the best league in the world and the coach continually disrespects her. It’s good that Christen is proving him wrong every time she does sub on, it makes him look silly and everyone including journalists and commentary teams are always calling out the obvious.”

Simply put, fans want Sam Laity to get the most out of Christen Press. Even if the interim boss wishes to not give her a start, some respectable minutes should be given to the USA forward. Regardless, this is just the start of the season. Let’s see whether it changes for the Angel City veteran in the coming days!