With three goals in August, Utah Royals forward Christen Press was voted the National Women’s Soccer League Player of the Month.
Press’ signature performance of the month was against Sky Blue FC on Aug. 7 at home when she delivered two goals in the 27th and 29th minutes of the match to open up a 2-0 lead for Utah.
The win launched URFC into a four-match unbeaten streak to close out August. Press tallied her third goal of the month on Aug. 17 in a 2-0 win against Orlando Pride. She broke a stalemate in the 60th minute of the match.
Press’ strong month doubled her season scoring total, landing her seventh in the league in goals scored. She’s scored six through eight matches this season. She’s made eight appearances, all starts, for URFC and also tallied one assist.
It’s the second time in Press’ NWSL career she’s been named Player of the Month. She previously won in April 2015 with the Chicago Red Stars. Press’ Utah teammate, Amy Rodriguez, finished third in Player of the Month voting for scoring goals in three consecutive matches. Portland Thorns FC forward Christine Sinclair finished second.
Press, 30, famously filled the role for U.S. Women’s National Team striker Megan Rapino during the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup and scored the opening goal in the 10th minute of the USWNT’s 2-1 semifinal victory against England. She debuted for the U.S. Women’s National Team in 2013 with 12 caps.
URFC stands fourth in the league standings after 3-1-1 in August. URFC will host its next match on Friday at Rio Tinto Stadium against Portland Thorns FC, which currently sits atop the league table, eight points ahead of URFC.