NWSL Portland Thorns FC

Thorns FC Acquire Rights to Defender Christen Westphal in 2020 NWSL Draft Day Trade with Reign FC

Published on January 17, 2020 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Portland Thorns FC News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - Portland Thorns FC acquired the rights to defender Christen Westphal in a trade that was executed on Jan. 16 at the 2020 NWSL College Draft, sending a fourth round pick in the 2020 draft (34th overall) to Reign FC.

"The work we did at the draft was just a small part of the process in solidifying our roster for the 2020 season, said Gavin Wilkinson, general manager and president of soccer for Thorns FC. "In our trade with Reign FC, we were able to add another player in a key area of the field and bolster the depth of our roster."

The 2020 campaign will mark Westphal's fifth season in the NWSL. Westphal, 26, was the third overall pick in the 2016 NWSL College Draft selected by the Boston Breakers out of the University of Florida. In two seasons with Boston (2016-17), Westphal made 26 appearances and tallied one goal.

"Christen is a versatile defender with tremendous technical ability," said head coach Mark Parsons. "We got to know her very well when preparing for the 2016 draft and believe she can bring important qualities to our group in 2020."

In 2018, Reign FC selected Westphal in the NWSL Dispersal Draft. During the 2018 and 2019 seasons with Reign FC, Westphal played in 16 matches.

Christen Westphal

Position: Defender

Height: 5-6

Born: Sept. 2, 1993

Hometown: Brecksville, Ohio

College: University of Florida

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