If you add up all the minutes Christen Press has played in three of the six games so far in 2025, it still doesn’t even amount to the first half of a typical match. Yep, you read that correctly! Since the USWNT veteran signed a year-long contract extension with Angel City after returning from a long-term ACL injury, fans were certainly hoping to see more of the star forward. However, the situation for Press is quite different, as she clearly isn’t getting the ideal minutes one would expect. While supporters have already voiced their frustration, the latest to join the chorus is none other than Christen’s manager, Denise White.
The boiling point was the recent game against Orlando Pride, which ACFC ended up losing. Despite being on the bench, Christen Press didn’t get a chance to see any action. Instead, she watched her team squander a 2-0 first-half lead to lose 3-2 at full-time. So far, her appearances have been as a substitute. After missing the first two 1-1 draws against the San Diego Wave and Portland Thorns, the 36-year-old made her debut in the third match, a 2-1 victory over Seattle Reign, playing just five minutes.
In the next two games — a 3-1 win against Houston Dash and a 4-0 loss to Gotham FC — she was subbed in during the final 15 minutes. Notably, fans gave some backlash to both the club’s management and interim boss Sam Laity post-Pride defeat. However, Denise White was already onto this issue before the game had even kicked-off. The manager came across an Instagram post from Angel City where the California-based club shared their starting XI for Friday’s game at Inter & Co.’s stadium.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Noticing her client on the bench list, White couldn’t control her emotions, taking to comments and writing, “Christen Press needs to be starting. How do you have a two-time World Cup Champion and Olympian and not start her?” Diana also gave an injury update on the 36-year-old stating there are no concerns whatsoever surrounding her.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Angel City FC (@weareangelcity) Expand Post
“It’d be different if she was still hurt but she’s completely healthy. You have a Ferrari in the garage but not willing to take it out. Doesn’t make sense. Come on Angel City do better Coach,” concluded Diana White, vocally making a plea to Laity and the coaching staff to start giving Press her deserved minutes.
You hear that Sam? Looks like the Ferrari is in dire need of being taken out on the roads as staying parked isn’t gonna help. It was a similar plea that fans have been making since the start of the season. Although one might understand Sam Laity’s cautious approach in managing Press’s minutes due to her injury concerns, Diana White has made it clear that this isn’t the reason.
At the very least, he could try to give the former Manchester United star more playing time, but that hasn’t been the case, leaving many to question her lack of involvement on the field. No wonder it saw Christen’s manager make another huge claim about her client’s situation.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
Christen Press can replace “quite a few” players in the Angel City lineup!
Diana White’s initial comment caught the eye of many followers, who also agreed with her. With over 82 likes and 11 replies, it almost created a debate among other fans who also expressed their similar concern for their favorite player. Interestingly, one of the Instagram users asked White if there’s any particular name she wouldn’t like to see start ahead of Christen Press. Surprisingly, without any hesitation, Diana responded, “For Christen? Where do I start? Any of them that make sense, and there are quite a few.”
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
The comment is enough to send a clear message to Sam Laity and his coaching staff that supporters aren’t impressed with the way they are treating the face of the team. Although Sam Laity is already scheduled to depart on June 1st, with new head coach Alexander Straus set to take over, it is advised for the interim manager to sort things quickly. If it remains the same for the USWNT veteran, then things will definitely turn more ugly for Press. Either way, let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.
Christen Press’ Manager Joins Fans to Question Angel City’s Management While Clearing Air on Her Health Status
