Houston Dash 2025 player report cards: Christen Westphal
(image via Houston Dash)
We’re continuing our 2025 report card series, recapping each Houston Dash player’s season. Next up, we look at defender Christen Westphal.
2025 Grade: C
2025 by the numbers (NWSL play)
Appearances: 9
Minutes played: 533
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
2025 in review
Westphal was one of the early offseason additions, arriving via trade from San Diego. With experience across San Diego, Portland, and Seattle, she brought a veteran presence to the backline. Initially, she was expected to provide depth for Avery Patterson at the right back spot.
As the season unfolded, it became clear that Avery would play the majority of minutes at that position, leaving Westphal on the outside looking in. However, when injuries hit the defense, Christen stepped in effectively—filling in at right back during Avery’s absence and occasionally featuring on the right side of a back three.
Moment of the season
She was a steady presence in the backline, particularly during April and May when Avery Patterson was sidelined after picking up a knock during the international window with the USWNT. During that stretch, her standout performance came against the Seattle Reign, where she recorded seven defensive actions—two tackles, two clearances, and three interceptions—against a strong Seattle side.
Looking forward
Westphal proved to be a dependable rotation player and a reliable source of depth when called upon. She has one year remaining on her contract, with a mutual option for the 2027 season. It’s likely she’ll remain with the team next year, continuing to provide valuable depth while operating comfortably within Fabrice Gautrat’s system.
