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The Houston Dash acquired defender Christen Westphal from the San Diego Wave on Tuesday for an international roster slot in 2025, $14,000 in allocation money and performance-based incentives.

Westphal, 31, appeared in 15 matches (eight starts) with the Wave this past season. In three seasons with San Diego, she recorded six assists in 59 matches (50 starts).

“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to join the Dash and help the team transition to a new and exciting era,” Westphal said in a statement. “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.”

She has played parts of eight seasons and has totaled one goal and eight assists in 116 matches (90 starts) with the Boston Breakers (2016-17), Seattle Reign (2018-19), Portland Thorns (2021) and Wave.

“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,” Dash interim general manager Erik Ustruck said in the statement. “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 won four trophies with the Thorns: the 2020 NWSL Community Shield and, in 2021, the NWSL Challenge Cup, International Champions Cup and NWSL Shield.

She also won the Shield in 2023 and the Challenge Cup in 2024 with San Diego.

“We want to thank Christen for being a part of the Club since the inaugural season,” Wave sporting director and general manager Camille Ashton said in a statement released by the team. “She was a true competitor during her time here and we wish her the best of luck in her future.”

–Field Level Media

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