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Christen Press rises to the occasion with USWNT’s early goal vs. England (Video)

By Kevin Parvizi

United States' forward Christen Press celebrates after scoring a goal during the France 2019 Women's World Cup semi-final football match between England and USA, on July 2, 2019, at the Lyon Satdium in Decines-Charpieu, central-eastern France. (Photo by Philippe DESMAZES / AFP) (Photo credit should read PHILIPPE DESMAZES/AFP/Getty Images)
United States' forward Christen Press celebrates after scoring a goal during the France 2019 Women's World Cup semi-final football match between England and USA, on July 2, 2019, at the Lyon Satdium in Decines-Charpieu, central-eastern France. (Photo by Philippe DESMAZES / AFP) (Photo credit should read PHILIPPE DESMAZES/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Megan Rapinoe couldn’t start in the USWNT’s semifinals game against England and Christen Press took this golden opportunity to shine on one of the biggest stages possible.

The USWNT survived a tough challenge from France in the quarterfinals of the 2019 Women’s World Cup, winning 2-1 behind another brace from veteran superstar Megan Rapinoe. However, Rapinoe would not be able to feature in an equal big game against England in the semifinals, as she may have suffered a right leg injury.

Her replacement, Christen Press, is also a world-class player in her own right, and she showed that quality immediately against England by giving the USWNT the lead in the 10th minute.

No stranger to early goals, the USWNT needed to strike first against a dangerous England team that is coming off of two huge wins over Cameroon and Norway.

https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1146134726895255554

This was a wonderful cross from Kelley O’Hara, who has been strong offensively and defensively as the USWNT’s starting right back in this tournament. And the movement from Press at the far post was just as good, allowing her to spring unmarked in the penalty box to head home powerfully at the near post.

Press is such a great attacking player, as she can score goals as a striker or a winger. Though she’s starting at left wing for Rapinoe, this was a classic world-class striker’s finish, and it was a reminder of how good Press is in the air. Her pace, work ethic, intelligent lay-offs, dribbling skills, and shooting range all earn her praise, but she can also make defenses pay if they fail to mark her in the box. England learned their lesson the hard way.

dark. Next. Press is a formidable Rapinoe replacement

It’s incredible that the USWNT have someone as talented as Christen Press coming off the bench for them, and the attack hasn’t missed a beat with her in the lineup for the Golden Boot candidate.