The starting lineup for the U.S. women’s national team’s World Cup semifinal match against England on Tuesday featured a surprise: co-captain Megan Rapinoe, the Americans’ co-leading scorer in France with five goals, was missing. In her place? Christen Press.
Making her first start of the tournament, the 30-year-old Press wasted little time making her insertion into the lineup by U.S. Coach Jill Ellis look brilliant.
In the 10th minute, Press headed a long cross from Kelley O’Hara past the outstretched arms of English goalkeeper Carly Telford and into the top left corner of the net to give the Americans a 1-0 lead.