LOS ANGELES — Angel City FC has announced U.S. World Cup winner and two-time Olympian Christen Press as its first player signing. The team, which is expected to kick off its inaugural season in the National Women's Soccer League in 2022, also announced the appointment of Freya Coombe as coach.
"Today, we welcome the first player in Angel City FC’s history, U.S. Women’s National Team star, two-time Olympian, World Cup champion, and LA native Christen Press," read a statement issued by the club.
Press won the World Cup with the United States Women's National Team in 2019 and 2015. She has also represented the U.S. in two Olympics, including the 2020 Tokyo Games, where she won a bronze medal.
A Los Angeles native, Press has played club soccer for a number of teams in Sweden as well as previous NWSL runs with the Chicago Red Stars and Utah Royals FC. Most recently, she did a stint with Manchester United in the Women's Super League. This is her first time playing professionally in Los Angeles.
"It is a dream come true to play for ACFC and represent my hometown, my friends and family and fans," said Press in a statement issued by the club.
Press will wear the number 23.
The club Monday also announced the appointment of Coombe as head coach.
Previously, Coombe had a seven-year spell playing and coaching for Reading FC in the Women's Super League. Coombe, who grew up in Buckinghamshire in the UK, has previous NWSL coaching experience, having had a stint in charge of NY/NJ Gotham FC.
"The opportunity to build a club and a culture from the ground up is a coach's dream," said Coombe in a statement. "I am so thrilled to join Angel City, field a winning team and empower women through sport. I can't wait to get started following the NWSL season."
"I am delighted to welcome Freya to the team as our head coach. Her experience as a player, coupled with her deep tactical knowledge, commitment to culture, and her most recent experience as a head coach in the fiercely competitive NSWL, make her the great fit for the team we are building from scratch," said Angel City FC Sporting Director Eni Aluko in a statement.
Angel City FC is expected to enter the league for the 2022-23 season and will play its home matches at Banc of California Stadium.