The Boston Breakers’ Newest Addition – NWSL College Draft Round 1, Pick #3
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is a 10-team women’s professional soccer league featuring national team players from Canada, Mexico and the U.S. The clubs are the Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars, Houston Dash, FC Kansas City, Orlando Pride, Portland Thorns FC, Seattle Reign FC, Sky Blue FC, Washington Spirit and Western New York Flash. Based in Chicago, the NWSL is supported by the Canadian Soccer Association, Federation of Mexican Football and the United States Soccer Federation.
Women’s Soccer News: With the third overall pick in the 2016 NWSL College Draft, the Boston Breakers selected Christen Westphal, University of Florida defender. 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. The 22-year-old finished her career at Florida with four goals and 17 assists. Her most productive season was her senior year in 2015 where she scored three of those goals and added 13 assists.
New Boston Breakers head coach Matt Beard was pleased with the opportunity to select the versatile defender. “She’s a player I like and admire, but we didn’t think we’d be in position to draft her previously with our pick being 17, but of course when the trade happened, we knew we were going to be the third pick, and she was someone I wanted to bring to the club,” Beard said. “We needed to bring in an outside back, a fullback. She can also play center back so she gives me some flexibility in regards to playing center back and right back. It’s an area we felt we needed to strengthen, and I think she’s one of the best kids in the country right now in those two positions. We are delighted we have managed to bring her here, and I’m excited to work with her.”
Westphal was a youth soccer standout at her long-time club, the Internationals where she trained from 2005 until 2012. As a youth player, Westphal lead her team to five state championships plus a U.S. Club Soccer National Championship. In 2011 and 2012, she was part of the U.S. U18 Women’s National Team player pool. In 2013, Westphal became a member of the U23 Women’s National Team. Although Westphal did not have her turn on the pitch when the U23s played the Republic of Ireland on Jan. 25, her future in soccer is bright.
SoccerToday and other media outlets spoke with Westphal following the exciting news at the NWSL Draft:
Question: Congratulations. How are you feeling?
Christen Westphal: I’m extremely excited; this is a huge opportunity and something I’ve always dreamed of so, it’s incredible that it’s coming true.
Question: When did you start playing soccer?
Christen Westphal: I started playing when I was 4. So I’ve been playing since I was very young.
Question: What clubs have you played with?
Christen Westphal: I played with Internationals based out of Cleveland for a majority of my career.
Question: Tell us what you can bring to the Boston Breakers?
Christen Westphal: In Florida, I was able to be part of the attack and the defense. I definitely think I can bring my flexibility to Boston and not just be effective on defense but be able to affect the offense as well.
Question: Do you see yourself moving forward on the field? I know you played center back but do you see yourself as a holding midfielder as well?
Christen Westphal: Honestly, I’m open to playing any position at this point. I’ve played holding midfielder in high school, so I would never say no to that.
Question: What is your focus as you join the Boston Breakers?
Christen Westphal: My focus is to being able to come in and be comfortable, and to be able to play at my best is, so I know I can make an impact coming in.
Question: How much are looking forward to working with coach Matt Beard – winning two league titles in England?
Christen Westphal: It’s amazing. He reminds me a lot of Coach Alan Kirkup, assistant coach at the University of Florida, so I’m really excited about working with Beard.
Question: At what point did you think playing professional soccer was possible in your future?
Christen Westphal: Going into college I talked to Becky Burleigh, head coach at University of Florida about the opportunities.
I really wanted to go to a college to help me develop and prepare for the next level, both personally and on the soccer field. Becky’s done that beyond what I could have ever asked for.
Question: Did you think that Boston was going to pick you?
Christen Westphal: No, I did not, but I’m extremely excited about it. I can’t wait to start playing and training with the team. This is an amazing chance and I want to make the most of it.
Westphal was a youth soccer standout at her long-time club, the Internationals where she trained from 2005 until 2012. As a youth player, Westphal lead her team to five state championships plus a US CLUB Soccer National Championship. In 2011 and 2012, she was part of the US U18 Women’s National Team player pool. In 2013, Westphal became a member of the U23 Women’s National Team. She was recently called into the U.S. U-23 Women’s National Team camp in Carson, California. Although Westphal did not have her turn on the pitch when the U23s played the Republic of Ireland on Jan. 25, her future in soccer is bright.
Article updated at 2.35 PST – Changed Diane Scavuzzo for Questions as this was part of a group media interview.
