With the arrival of Utah Royals FC newest winger in U.S. Women’s National Team stalwart Christen Press, the newest National Women’s Soccer League’s franchise now carries four members of the defending World Cup champions. With the introduction of Press to the Claret-and-Cobalt faithful at Real Salt Lake’s match against the San Jose Earthquakes, fans are elated for URFC to return home to Rio Tinto Stadium on Wednesday.
Press – the most coveted American star in world soccer, has scored 44 goals in 100 U.S. appearances – played 20 minutes for Göteborg FC in Sweden last Sunday, and could be available next week as Utah Royals FC hosts Harvey’s former Seattle Reign FC side on Wednesday, June 27 at Rio Tinto Stadium.
Here's what fans had to say before meeting URFC’s newest star ahead of RSL’s match against San Jose on the East lawn of Rio Tinto Stadium:
Kylee
“It’s super exciting to have national team players because it brings up the level of the game and it's really fun to watch them play.
Chris
“I think we will get a little more dynamic press up front, a little bit more speed and of course that high class, high level finishing that we've needed and continue to need in pressure situations.”
While the fans had adoring messages about her, Royals FC’s newest midfielder had her own opinions of what the whirlwind experience since her announcement has felt like in what she feels has set a new bar for the women’s game.
“The whole thing has just been fantastic,” Press reflected. “I couldn’t have imagined that something like this could happen in the NWSL and I feel so loved and so welcomed by the fans here in Salt Lake. Until now I didn’t really understand how stunning Rio Tinto Stadium is and how beautiful the venue is. This is one of the most outstanding women’s soccer environments in the world.”
Chandler
“I'm excited to have an attacking player that's on the ball and off the ball just awesome all around. I think she’ll bring us a more dynamic attack and have us bring up the ball from the wing more and get us more goals from out there.”
Cali
“She is my favorite player in the world. I’ve met her twice; I think that she's one of the best forwards in the world and I’m really excited he see her come here and further her career and see her play.”
