San Diego Wave deal Christen Westphal to Houston Dash
Credit: Tammy Ryan/EVT Sports
This Tuesday, December 10, the San Diego Wave announced that defender Christen Westphal was traded away to the Houston Dash. San Diego received $14,000 in allocation money an international roster slot in exchange for the veteran defender.
The Wave can potentially even receive more allocation money from this deal if performance-based incentives are met. Westphal is an “original” San Diego Wave player, joining the club in its inception in the 2022 NWSL season. The 31-year-old fullback was acquired via a trade with the Portland Thorns after the 2022 NWSL expansion draft.
In her first season in San Diego, Westphal became a consistent starting player, participating in 24 games and starting 22 of those matches. The Brecksville, Ohio native provided two assists in her first season with the Wave.
forever an original member of wave fc 💙 pic.twitter.com/stCY3qhGgo
— San Diego Wave FC (@sandiegowavefc) December 10, 2024
In 2023, Westphal started 23 games and provided four assists in what was her best season with the San Diego Wave. Last season, Westphal only started eight games and played in 15, losing out on playing time to other players.
Prior to her stint with the Wave, Westphal played professionally with Portland Thorns, Reign FC, and Boston Breakers. Westphal made a total of 80 appearances across three seasons for San Diego and provided six assists in NWSL regular season play.
Wave General Manager Camille Ashton made a statement on Westphal following the transaction. “She was a true competitor during her time here and we wish her the best of luck in her future.”
Westphal was a solid veteran presence on the squad but a very underused player for San Diego at this point of her tenure with the club. Hanna Lundkvist played most of the 2024 NWSL season at right-back for the Wave and will look to reprise that role in 2025.
It will also be intriguing to see how the Wave uses that international slot specifically ahead of the 2025 NWSL season.
Francisco, 26, Chula Vista/Tijuana. I have been a Padres fan all my life, did most of the series previews and recaps in the Padres’ 2016 season for EVT. Now I focus more on the local soccer scene. Tijuana Xolos, San Diego Loyal, San Diego Wave.