Tobin Heath Scores in USWNT Return, Christen Press Hits 100 Caps

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Tobin Heath

CLEVELAND, OHIO (June 12, 2018) — It’s been about eight months since Tobin Heath has suited up for the United States Women’s National Team.

Heath returned to the mix after being plagued with injuries. Her last journey with the national team took place in September 2017 in friendlies against New Zealand.

However, her return months later brought excitement back to USWNT fans. Heath is one of the most capped players on the team, holding 132 appearances to her name. Her versatility has kept her in the league and national team fix, despite just turning 30-years-old.

Tobin Heath Scores in USWNT Return, Christen Press Earns 100th Cap in 2-1 Win Over China

Heath put that on display when she scored the game-winning goal against China in Cleveland, Ohio, Tuesday night. Christen Press, who notched her 100th national team appearance, tallied the assist.

The match was the second time the two sides faced off. The United States also captured a 1-0 victory against China on Thursday.

Even though the United States scored first off a Megan Rapinoe goal in the 35th minute — which Press also assisted — China managed to find their way past the United States defense. Li Ying scored on a Chinese counterattack in the 72nd minute.

Li Tingting assisted the goal.

However, China’s efforts weren’t enough. In goal for the United States, Ashlyn Harris made five crucial saves. On the other end, Peng Shimeng made three saves for China.

The start was Harris’ first of the 2018 international year.

Press Makes 100th Appearance

The first time Christen Press appeared for the national team was over five years ago.

Down south in Jacksonville, FL, Press became the third player to ever score two goals in her national team debut. Cindy Parlow and Sherrill Kester were the others to do it before Press.

Now, at 100 caps, Press holds 44 international goals to her name. She is also a FIFA World Cup champion and has participated in the Summer Olympic Games. In her 100th appearance against China, Press didn’t score but provided two assists.

She now joins a list of distinguished soccer players in the USWNT’s “100 club,” including Christie Rampone, Julie Foudy, Kristine Lilly, Abby Wambach and many others.

When speaking to U.S. Soccer, Press said her journey to 100 caps has been “a long road and a lot of ups and downs.”

“Some of the best memories of my life are with this team, and some of my favorite people are on this team, so I think that’s very special,” Press said. “When I think about my 100 caps, I also reflect on some of the people who aren’t here anymore that really touched me and affected me and my game.”

“For me, 100 is an opportunity to be grateful and to reflect on the opportunities that I’ve been given.”

With her season over in Sweden with Kopparbergs/Göteborg FC, Press is currently under the microscope to where she’ll feature next. Technically, the Houston Dash retain her rights. However, Press has expressed disinterest in playing for the Dash.

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