Soccer Tejas
HOUSTON – The Houston Dash have acquired veteran defender Christen Westphal from San Diego Wave FC in exchange for a 2025 international roster spot, $14,000 in allocation money, and performance-based incentives, both teams announced on Tuesday.
Westphal, who joins the Dash after a successful three-year stint with San Diego, brings experience and a proven track record of success.
She has won six trophies since 2020, including the 2023 NWSL Shield and the 2024 NWSL Challenge Cup with San Diego. Over the past three seasons, she made 80 appearances, started in 50 games, and recorded six assists for the Wave.
“We are excited to add Christen’s championship experience and defensive leadership to our roster,” said interim general manager Erik Ustruck. “Her consistency, character, and ambition will play a key role in the Dash’s pursuit of sustained success, both on and off the field. We look forward to her debut at Shell Energy Stadium next season and the impact she will have in building a high-performance culture for years to come.”
Westphal, a 2016 third overall pick by the Boston Breakers, has played in 116 NWSL regular-season games, starting 90. Her career includes stops with Seattle Reign FC and Portland Thorns FC, where she won four trophies, including the 2020 NWSL Community Shield, the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup, the 2021 NWSL Shield, and the International Champions Cup with Portland.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the Dash and help lead the team into an exciting new era,” Westphal said. “I’m ready to do whatever it takes to help the team succeed and contribute to the vision leadership has for this club. I can’t wait to share this journey with the fans at Shell Energy Stadium.”
Westphal’s arrival adds depth to the Dash’s defense as the team looks to build on its foundation and compete for championships in the years ahead.
