LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (Sept. 1, 2018) — Christen Press thought she had her goal in the first half.
However, after calling back a penalty kick due to players waiting far in the midfield, referee Katja Koroleva called the goal back. Press didn’t let the penalty kick being disallowed ruin her evening though.
USWNT Claims Victory in First-Ever Meeting With Chile
Opening up the second half, Press scored in the 59th minute. Mallory Pugh, a fellow striker, offered the assist. Before the match even began, Press was honored for her 100th appearance, which came on June 12 in Cleveland, Ohio, when the United States faced China.
However, her celebration was held in Los Angeles, a city dear to Press. The current Utah Royals FC striker was born and raised in the big California city.
It’s been a whirlwind year for Press. After being traded from the Chicago Red Stars to the Houston Dash, Press elected to sit out of preseason and early regular-season action. She made it clear that she did not want to be a part of the Dash. So, she returned overseas, signing with Swedish club Göteborg FC.
Press scored two goals in eight appearances for Göteborg FC, earning herself a spot back with the U.S. Women’s National Team.
After her time in Europe, Press returned to the NWSL. She joined Utah Royals FC — formerly FC Kansas City — and is currently helping the team attempt a playoff push. Along with the Chicago Red Stars, her former club, both teams are up for the last playoff spot.
However, Press’ attention focused on her homecoming match.
Press’ goal in the 59th minute was her 45th international goal. She is currently tied with former national team standout Julie Foudy for the 13th-most goals on the national team.
And all was right again.
On her 💯 cap celebration night, @ChristenPress strikes for the USA. pic.twitter.com/1j3WzfOP4p
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) September 1, 2018
The Other Goals
Press’ goal was the final of three for the United States.
During the final Tournament of Nations match against Brazil, defender Tierna Davidson scored an own-goal. However, the Stanford University defender scored her first international goal on Friday night, erasing her own-goal from fans’ memories.
Davidson’s goal came off of one of 17 corner kicks. Chile only tallied one corner kick the entire match.
Meanwhile, Chile did find the back of the net — however, it was not Alyssa Naeher’s net. Carla Guerrero, who featured for Spanish club Rayo Vallecano, scored an own-goal past Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Christiane Endler.
Endler was busy throughout the night, making nine saves for Chile. On the other end of the field, Naeher made one save for the United States.
Tonight, you can call her #CP100. 😏
Join us and @TAGHeuer in celebrating @ChristenPress's 💯 cap milestone! pic.twitter.com/vnF4kB2SyO
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) September 1, 2018
What’s Next?
There’s one more match with Chile before the United States starts turning full attention over to the World Cup qualifiers, which will happen in October.
The two sides will face off at Avaya Stadium — home of the San Jose Earthquakes — on Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET. The match will air on ESPN2.
Don't forget to show love! 💕 Thanks for making us feel right at home, LA. pic.twitter.com/Crsm1VqLwJ
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) September 1, 2018
PHOTO: Christen Press (right) celebrates her goal against Chile with teammate Mallory Pugh (left) during the U.S. Women’s National Team’s 3-0 victory at the StubHub Center in Los Angeles, California, on Friday night. Photo courtesy of John A. Babiak.
