Sunday night might have marked the end of the 2025 NWSL campaign, but it also signaled the conclusion of something far more significant: the career of Christen Press. The USWNT veteran, who had announced her retirement just weeks ago, played her final professional game for Angel City FC against the Chicago Stars. But talk about calling it a day in rather unfortunate fashion; CP23 was denied what many would have deemed a perfect farewell. Reason? Well, blame her former national teammate and NWSL rival, Alyssa Naeher.

A 2-1 defeat was a part of Christen Press’ unlucky farewell; firstly, she wasn’t even included in the starting XI, something which fans didn’t like at all. It was around the hour mark that she finally came off the bench to play the remainder of the game and try to find a potential second for her team. Though she did give her all and almost managed to succeed, the veteran couldn’t, thanks to a brilliant save from Alyssa Naeher. As many felt bad to see Press failing to become a hero for her side for one last time, it only saw the Chicago goalie make amends with the 36-year-old.

In a clip shared by NWSL on X, the post-game saw Christen Press walking on the pitch barefoot, greeting all the players. As she met with Alyssa Naeher, the two were seen hugging and crying, sharing an emotional moment. It was at that moment that the former USWNT goalie was heard saying, “I couldn’t let you score. I couldn’t do it.” To which the retired forward replied, “It was a good save,” before adding, “It wasn’t a good enough shot. If that had gone in, you would have been pissed.”

Clearly, both were quite professional about their shared moment during the game, sorting out any kind of obligations after the end of the game in quite a heartfelt manner. Notably, Press’ best moment came during the 82nd minute when forward Prisca Chilufya threaded a perfectly timed pass into her path. Press broke into the box and unleashed a right-footed strike that seemed destined for the goal.

But there’s a reason why Alyssa Naeher is still alive in the game, as she managed to pull off a crucial save and deny her what could have been the perfect ending. Next thing you know, the final whistle blew as Angel City successfully saw their 39th-minute lead with the help of defender Miyabi Moriya’s effort go in vain as midfielder Jameese Joseph and forward Ally Schlegel rallied a comeback for Chicago in the second half.

On the contrary, the Chicago Stars did read the room for the occasion, paying their respects to Christen Press in a truly remarkable fashion as fans at SeatGeek Stadium rose for a standing ovation. It was the least they could do, considering the former Manchester United star began her NWSL journey at that very same venue. Call it a full-circle moment, being honored for her incredible career right where it all started.

And so what if she didn’t get her name on the scoresheet or a win in her final game? To be fair, Press isn’t alone in such situations!

Christen Press isn’t alone in having her NWSL farewell moment get ruined!

Remember Alex Morgan’s farewell game? The former San Diego Wave forward started for just the first 13 minutes as a tribute in an NWSL match against the North Carolina Courage, after announcing her retirement and second pregnancy. Sadly, in Morgan’s case, things took a tougher turn. Just before she was about to be subbed off, the Wave won a penalty. Hearing that, your first reaction would probably be to think how fitting it would have been to see Morgan take and score it, right? Well, it turned out to be the exact opposite, as Casey Murphy ended up saving the shot, prompting reactions like, “How could you?”

Quite natural, to be fair, especially for someone experiencing her final moments on the pitch. And if you think this unfortunate tale ends there, think again — the Wave went on to lose the match 0–4, that too at home. In Christen Press’ case, she lost an away fixture, though at a place that was once her home. So, it’s really no big scene to see the iconic two-time World Cup winner not get the farewell she deserved. In fact, Press hardly needs one, as she once famously said:

“Someday I’ll look into the sky and laugh because everything is perfect the way it already is.”