From roommates to retirement: Two former Stanford players announce departure from pro soccer

On Sunday, National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) legends and former Stanford athletes Christen Press and Ali Riley played in the final Angel City FC home game of their 14-year professional soccer careers. The two were honored with a postgame retirement ceremony following Angel City’s game against the Portland Thorns.

The two Los Angeles natives, however, share a bond that goes beyond just Angel City. Not only are they former Stanford women’s soccer teammates, the two were also roommates in 2007 during their time at Stanford.

During her senior year at Stanford, Press was awarded the Missouri Athletic Club’s Hermann Trophy, which honors the best player in college women’s soccer that season. Riley was also highly decorated, earning NSCAA All-American, as well as All-PAC-10 first team selections.

After college, both Press and Riley jumped between the NWSL and overseas. Press became Angel City’s first signee when the team joined the league as the 11th expansion team in the spring of 2022. Press is a two-time World Cup champion, as well as a 2020 Olympic bronze medalist as a member of the United States Women’s Soccer Team. Riley has played for the New Zealand National Women’s Soccer Team, and she joined Angel City in 2022 after being traded from the Orlando Pride.

During her retirement ceremony in front of the 19,000 Angel City fans, Press expressed gratitude for her last stint in professional soccer.

“I came back to something different and this club and this team, and all of you have made my comeback worth it and special,” Press said. “It’s been a really long journey to be standing up here but you all gave me something that I never even imagined that I wanted. Thank you for making me feel like the most loved player in the whole world.”

Despite losing the game 0-2, Press and Riley are ending their careers with the biggest win they could have asked for: love and support from each other and the fans.

“As I look around, this is truly a city of angels,” Riley said.

The final game of their career will be on the road against the Chicago Stars on Nov. 2.

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