There’s still one last match remaining to see the 2025 NWSL season conclude, but it surely marked the end of something much bigger. Earlier today, Christen Press and Ali Riley played their last game at home for Angel City after having announced their decision to retire at the end of the campaign. Given the double significance of the occasion, it was only natural for any ardent fan not to miss the game. But who would have thought that coming in support of Press and Riley would also be a very special name: none other than Alyssa Thompson.

Yes, you heard it right! The USWNT forward has returned to Angel City after having left for Chelsea in a $1.4 million club record fee, not to play, of course, but to support her former veteran teammates on Sunday’s clash against Portland Thorns. Thompson was spotted at the BMO Stadium as early as the kick-off, initially pictured conversing with Press and her wife, Tobin Heath. Even after the end of the game, Alyssa came onto the field after full time, reuniting with Ali Riley as well.

Unfortunately, it was quite a bittersweet farewell for both Ali Riley and Christen Press, considering the Angel City endured a shocking 0-2 defeat at the hands of Portland Thorns, courtesy of a brace from youngster Olivia Moultrie. This certainly wouldn’t have been the home result the pair were hoping to finish up their career path with, even though they have the regular season’s final game against the Chicago Stars remaining in hand to make things right.

Then again, Alexander Straus and Co. do get some slack cut, considering the result is overshadowed by the retirement ceremonies of Christen Press and Ali Riley. As for Alyssa Thompson, it must have been an evening full of emotions, returning to the very place that helped her shape an illustrious beginning of her career, let alone tributing not one but two veterans who played quite a key role in her development.

Not to mention the hectic season that the 20-year-old is facing, playing games after games in the WSL and then the UWCL. In fact, just a couple of days ago, a rather remarkable moment was marked in Thompson’s career, after she scored her first goal for Chelsea. It even made Christen Press forget her retirement news for a moment, and rather fire major praise for the USWNT youngster.

Reposting the goal on her Instagram stories, Press wrote, “Also, @alyssthomp scoring her first Champions League goal feels like a full circle moment for this emotional day. Go on!” Rest, given how the women’s domestic football is currently on hold for the upcoming international break, it was more than necessary for Thompson to fly back to her nation, let alone the bond she has with both Press and Riley.

Alyssa Thompson was lucky to have played with both Christen Press and Ali Riley!

Alyssa Thompson is one of those lucky players who got the chance to learn from the best. Imagine a player like Christen Press donning a jersey with your name on it, supporting you through the stands; the youngster just had to repay the gesture. Rest, the bond both created was unmatched, with the California-native one saying, “As an older sister, I feel like I crave some advice…I feel like I’ve just learned so much from her.”

By the way, this exact sentiment was shared by Thompson while expressing her thoughts on Press’ announcement after having netted her first Chelsea goal, admitting how crucial a role the veteran played in her career, before adding, “I’m very sad to see her go…it’s kind of crazy.” Even Press echoed a similar feeling, saying, “I’m now kind of showing Alyssa how I trained to become a goalscorer,” while speaking to the Los Angeles Times once.

Even with Ali Riley, Thompson maintained quite a bond, evident from a comment she made on the defender’s Instagram post to talk about her final home game, saying, “I love u❤️”, while also spamming multiple “ALI” comments as well. Rest assured, the decision to fly back thousands of miles for this occasion was enough to put stars on both players’ farewell ceremonies. Regardless, share your thoughts in the comments below.