PORTLAND, Ore. – Portland Thorns FC have acquired $50,000 in Allocation Money from San Diego Wave FC in exchange for the rights to defender Christen Westphal and forward Amirah Ali, it was announced today.
“Christen has been an important part of this team since her arrival, and we can’t thank her enough for her contributions,” said Thorns FC general manager Karina LeBlanc. “This was an extremely difficult decision, but we believe this opportunity has the best interest of Christen and the Thorns in mind. We wish her all the best in San Diego.”
Westphal, 28, arrived in Portland as part of a 2020 NWSL Draft day trade with OL Reign. In two seasons with the club, Westphal made 31 appearances (21 starts) across all competitions, tallying two assists. In NWSL regular-season play in 2021, she played in 15 matches, making 10 starts.
Ali was selected by Thorns FC in the third round of the 2021 NWSL Draft and concluded her senior campaign with Rutgers University in the 2021 Women’s College Cup.
“Amirah has a bright future ahead and we wish her success as she begins her professional journey in the NWSL,” said LeBlanc.
