Houston Dash acquire defender Christen Westphal

(image via San Diego Wave FC)

The Houston Dash have added to their back line, acquiring defender Christen Westphal in a trade with San Diego Wave FC. Houston sent an international roster spot in 2025, $14,000 in allocation money, plus performance-based incentives. Westphal, 31, appeared in 15 matches for San Diego this season in league play, with 8 starts.

Before joining San Diego in 2022, Westphal played for the Portland Thorns from 2020-2021, Reign FC from 2018-2019, and Boston Breakers from 2016-2017. She plats mainly as a right back, a position the Dash are thin at. Westphal’s similar players on FBref.com include former Dash right back Caprice Dydasco.

“The championship experience and defensive prowess that Christen brings to Houston will be critical to the success of the team and building a sustainable high-performance culture for years to come,” interim general manager, Erik Ustruck said. “Combined with her consistency, character and ambitions we are excited to welcome her to Houston and look forward to her debut at Shell Energy Stadium next season.” 

Westphal represented the United States at the U-23 level and helped the U.S. win the 2015 Four Nations Tournament. She attended the University of Florida from 2012-2015. Westphal was named SEC Defender of the Year in her senior season and was named All-SEC every year of her collegiate career.

(via FBref.com)

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to join the Dash and help the team transition to a new and exciting era,” Westphal said. “I’m ready to do everything I can to help the team be successful and share that with the fans at Shell Energy Stadium. This team is building toward the future and I’m excited to contribute to that and help them realize the vision that leadership has for this club.”