Breakers Ink 1st-Rounder Westphal
- Updated: March 29, 2016
The third-overall pick in the 2016 NWSL draft officially joined the Breakers on Tuesday as the club signed former University of Florida defender Christen Westphal to a contract.
Westphal was selected by the Breakers after it traded up to acquire the pick from the Portland Thorns, which received the first spot in the Allocation Order from Boston.
“I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity this program has given me,” Westphal said in a club release. “I’m beyond excited to officially start my professional career as a Boston Breaker.”
The 22-year-old defender was a two-time NSCAA All-American for the Gators. She started in all but one of the 96 games she appeared in, ending her career with four goals and 17 assists. Additionally, she was called into camp for the United States U-23 Women’s National Team in January.
“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 in a club release. “She will add competition to our defense, and I’m looking forward to working with her and improving her as a player.”
Westphal and her Breakers teammates are slated to play a preseason match against the U16/17 Florida Elite Soccer Academy boys’ team on Wednesday at Flager College in St. Augustine, Fla. Boston will open the regular season on Apr. 16 at Washington.
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