USWNT's Christen Press tears ACL, left off World Cup qualifying roster: 'My heart is broken'
On Monday morning, Christen Press was left off the U.S. Women's National Team roster for upcoming World Cup and Olympic qualifiers.
Later Monday, the veteran USWNT forward announced that she has a torn ACL.
'My heart is broken'
My heart is broken: I’ve torn my acl. Readily accepting all love, prayers, virtual hugs, dog pics, and smudging ceremonies. Love you all xx
— Christen Press (@ChristenPress) June 13, 2022
Press, 33, has played for the USWNT senior team since 2013, scoring 64 goals in 155 appearances while winning two World Cups in 2015 and 2019 and an Olympic bronze medal in 2021. She sustained her ACL injury on Saturday while playing for the NWSL's Angel City against Racing Louisville.
USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski told reporters before Press' revelation of her ACL tear that he made the decision to leave her off the team prior to her injury.
“I have to say that Christen Press was not on the roster even before the injury,” Andonovski said. “We’re very sorry for her injury and don’t have confirmed information on the extent or the significance of the injury, we just hope that it is not too serious.”
Competition, not injury, kept Press off USWNT roster
Per Andonovski, he left her off the roster because of increased competition at her position while naming Mallory Pugh, Sophia Smith, Alex Morgan, Ashley Hatch and Trinity Rodman, all of whom made the team at forward alongside Megan Rapinoe and Midge Purce.
The 23 players named to the team on Monday will lead the USWNT in upcoming friendlies before competing in the Concacaf Championship in Mexico from July 4-18. Berths in the 2023 World Cup and 2024 Olympics will be at stake.
Only 10 of the 23 players participating have previous experience in World Cup and Olympic qualifiers as the USWNT promotes younger players following its bronze-medal performance in Tokyo. Rising 22-year-old star Catarina Macario isn't on the roster after tearing her left ACL earlier in June.
