Cristen Joan "Christen" Westphal (born September 2, 1993) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defender for San Diego Wave FC. She previously played for the Portland Thorns, Reign FC, and Boston Breakers, as well as the United States women's national under-23 soccer team. She played collegiate soccer for the Florida Gators.
![]() Westphal playing for Boston Breakers in 2017 | |||
Personal information | |||
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Full name | Cristen Joan Westphal[1] | ||
Date of birth | (1993-09-02) September 2, 1993 (age 28) | ||
Place of birth | Brecksville, Ohio, United States | ||
Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) | ||
Position(s) | Defender | ||
Club information | |||
Current team | San Diego Wave | ||
Number | 20 | ||
College career | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
2012–2015 | Florida Gators | 96 | (4) |
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
2016–2017 | Boston Breakers | 26 | (1) |
2018–2019 | Reign FC | 16 | (0) |
2020–2021 | Portland Thorns | 25 | (0) |
2022– | San Diego Wave | 0 | (0) |
National team | |||
2014–2016 | United States U23 | ||
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of May 15, 2020 |
Westphal attended the University of Florida where she played as a center back for the Florida Gators women's soccer team from 2012–15. Her senior year, TopDrawerSoccer named her one of the top 10 women's soccer defenders in the NCAA's Division 1.[2] The same year she was named Southeastern Conference Soccer Defender of the Year.[3] Westphal was named to the All-SEC team every year of her collegiate career, and was named to the SEC first team three consecutive years.[3] Her senior year, she led the Gators (and tied for first in the SEC) in assists with 10 and was named as a Hermann Trophy semifinalist.[4][5]
Westphal was drafted by Boston Breakers in the first round of the 2016 NWSL College Draft.[6][7][8] She signed with Boston in March 2016 and made her debut on April 16, 2016 against Washington Spirit.[9][10] During her rookie season, she was a starting defender in 7 of the 13 games in which she played and scored one goal.[11] The goal against the Western New York Flash was nominated for Goal of the Week.[12] During the 2017 season, Westphal started in all 13 games that she played and recorded an assist. A right foot injury endured in a match against Seattle on July 15 ended her season prematurely.[11] The Breakers finished the 2017 season in ninth place with a 4–13–7 record.[11]
Westphal was selected by the Reign FC in the 2018 NWSL Dispersal Draft after Boston folded unexpectedly ahead of the 2018 season.[13]
Westphal was out of contract after the 2019 season, and her NWSL rights were traded to Portland Thorns.[14]
Immediately after the 2022 NWSL Expansion Draft, it was announced that San Diego Wave acquired the rights to Westphal and Amirah Ali from Portland via trade. San Diego had passed on several picks, instead negotiating the trade.[15]
Westphal has represented the United States on the under-23 national team She competed at the 2015 Four Nations Tournament in Norway and helped the U.S. win the tournament.[16]
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Christen Westphal. |
San Diego Wave FC – current squad | |
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Southeastern Conference Women's Soccer Player of the Year | |
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Player of the Year |
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Offensive Player of the Year | |
Defensive Player of the Year | |
Forward of the Year |
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Midfielder of the Year | |
Defender of the Year | |
Goalkeeper of the Year |
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