UPDATE: In a heart-wrenching farewell, Christen Press and Ali Riley took the field one last time for Angel City FC during the final home game of the regular season at BMO Stadium on October 29, 2024. Both players announced their retirement, marking the end of an era for the club.
The emotional match against the Portland Thorns ended in a 2-0 loss, but the focus shifted to honoring the legacy of these two local stars. With their final game at home, fans gathered in large numbers to celebrate their contributions to the team and the sport.
Press, a native of Los Angeles, was the club’s first-ever player signed and played a significant role in shaping the franchise. In a touching tribute, Angel City president Julie Uhrman stated, “Our history starts with you,” highlighting Press’s pivotal role in building the club’s identity.
After a long recovery from an ACL injury, Press made her return to the pitch as a substitute in the 60th minute, demonstrating her resilient spirit. “It was a really long journey,” Press said emotionally. “Thank you for making me feel like the most loved player in the whole world.”
Riley, who graduated from Stanford in 2009, also received a heartfelt welcome back. Having spent most of the 2024 season on the injury list, she returned in the 82nd minute, receiving the captain’s armband from current captain Sarah Gorden for a final farewell. “It’s always been about the people to me,” Riley expressed. “You made it worth it to come back to say goodbye.”
The emotional postgame ceremony allowed fans to reflect on the impact both players have had on the club and the community. As tears flowed, the duo was recognized for their achievements and contributions to women’s soccer.
Press and Riley’s departures come at a critical juncture for Angel City FC, who are now facing an uphill battle for playoff contention. Earlier on the same day, the team’s hopes were significantly impacted by Racing Louisville FC’s 2-2 draw against Gotham FC.
As Angel City prepares for its final match of the regular season against the Chicago Stars on November 2, 2024, fans are left to ponder the future of the franchise without their beloved stars.
Stay tuned for more updates as we cover the final chapter of this season and the next steps for Angel City FC.
