The Boston Breakers Sign Christen Westphal for 2016 Season
Boston Breakers sign the third overall pick in the NWSL Draft Christen Westphal for the 2016 season that kicks off in the coming weeks. The University of Florida defender brings recent experience with the U-23 Women’s National Team to the club as she started two of the three matches during the team’s trip to Croatia for the Istria Cup.
Check out our interview with Westphal here.
Soccer News: The Boston Breakers announced the club has signed defender Christen Westphal. Per team and league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Westphal was the Breakers first pick in the 2016 NWSL College Draft. The University of Florida defender was selected No. 3 overall.
“Christen is a player that comes into the pro environment and can compete for a first-11 spot straight away,” Boston Breakers head coach Matt Beard said. “She will add competition to our defense, and I’m looking forward to working with her and improving her as a player.”
The 5-foot, 6-inch Brecksville, Ohio native was a two-time NSCAA All-American with the Gators, starting in 95 of the 96 games she appeared in with 8,486 minutes played.
An All-SEC First Team selection in 2013, 2014, and 2015, Westphal finished her career at Florida with four goals and 17 assists. Three of those goals and 13 of the assists came during her senior season of 2015.
“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity this program has given me,” Westphal said. “I’m beyond excited to officially start my professional career as a Boston Breaker.”
The 22-year-old was recently called up to the U.S. U-23 Women’s National Team for the Istria Cup in Croatia. Westphal started two of the three matches for the U.S., helping to lead the team to a perfect 2-0-1 record and finishing top of the table. The U.S. beat Slovenia and France’s B National Team and tied the Poland U-20s.
The Boston Breakers open up the 2016 NWSL season on the road April 16 at the Washington Spirit before returning to Boston for their home opener on Sunday, April 24, against Seattle Reign FC.
Source: Boston Breakers
