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USWNT star Christen Press stepping away from soccer to focus on 'mental health, spiritual growth'

United States women's national team forward Christen Press announced Thursday plans to step away from soccer to focus on her mental health and spiritual growth.

Press, who left Manchester United in June and later signed with Angel City FC of the National Women's Soccer League, was not included in the USWNT's squad for two games against Paraguay later this month. 

The 32-year-old made her USWNT debut in 2013 and has won the FIFA Women's World Cup twice, in addition to winning a bronze medal with the Americans at this summer's Tokyo Olympics. 

In 155 appearances for the team, she has scored 64 goals.

In addition to Press, Megan Rapinoe will miss this month's friendlies with an injury. Sam Mewis, Alyssa Naeher and Julie Ertz have also been ruled out for those matches, allowing Mal Pugh and Sophia Smith the opportunity to see more playing time with the national team. 

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