Christen Westphal


Christen Westphal is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defender for Portland Thorns FC. She had played for 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.

Collegiate career

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. The same year she was named Southeastern Conference Soccer Defender of the Year. 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. Her senior year, she led the Gators in assists with 10 and was named as a Hermann Trophy semifinalist.

Club career

Boston Breakers, 2016–17

Westphal was drafted by Boston Breakers in the first round of the 2016 NWSL College Draft. She signed with Boston in March 2016 and made her debut on April 16, 2016 against Washington Spirit. During her rookie season, she was a starting defender in 7 of the 13 games in which she played and scored one goal. The goal against the Western New York Flash was nominated for Goal of the Week. 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. The Breakers finished the 2017 season in ninth place with a record.

Reign FC, 2018–19

Westphal was selected by the Reign FC in the 2018 NWSL Dispersal Draft after Boston folded unexpectedly ahead of the 2018 season.
Westphal was out of contract after the 2019 season, and her NWSL rights were traded to Portland Thorns FC.

International career

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.