Paul_Christensen
Paul Christensen
American soccer player
Paul Christensen (born April 15, 1996) is an American former professional soccer player who played as a goalkeeper. He is currently the goalkeeping coach for the Bob Jones University men's soccer team.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | (1996-04-15) April 15, 1996 (age 28) | ||
| Place of birth | Woodinville, Washington, United States | ||
| Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Goalkeeper | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 2012–2014 | Seattle Sounders FC | ||
| College career | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2014–2017 | Portland Pilots | 72 | (0) |
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2015–2017 | Seattle Sounders FC U-23 | 21 | (0) |
| 2018–2019 | Atlanta United 2 | 10 | (0) |
| 2018 | → Atlanta United FC (loan) | 1 | (0) |
| 2020–2022 | Greenville Triumph | 40 | (0) |
| Managerial career | |||
| 2020 | North Greenville Crusaders (goalkeeping) | ||
| 2021– | Bob Jones Bruins (goalkeeping) | ||
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of November 17, 2022 | |||
College
Christensen played four years of college soccer at the University of Portland, where he made 72 appearances for the Pilots and kept 20 shutouts. Paul battled now Rs. senior GK and close friend Kienan Weekes in the goal while at Portland for 4 years. The Wall as some know him, otherwise known as El Jefe, was the turning point behind an impressive turnaround for the program.[1]
While at college, Chirstensen also played with Premier Development League side Seattle Sounders FC U-23.[2]
Professional career
On January 21, 2018, Christensen was selected 70th overall in 2018 MLS SuperDraft by Atlanta United FC.[3] He signed with their United Soccer League affiliate side Atlanta United 2 on February 18, 2018.[4] He made his professional debut on March 31, 2018 in a 2–2 draw against the Charlotte Independence.[5]
On May 4, 2018, Christensen signed a short-term deal to be included on the roster for Atlanta United FC's senior team after backup goalkeepers Alec Kann and Mitch Hildebrandt were injured.[6] He made his debut on May 9 against Sporting Kansas City, replacing Brad Guzan after he was sent off with a red card.[7]
Christensen announced his retirement on November 17, 2022.[8]
- "Paul Christensen - 2017". Portland Pilots. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
- "Paul Christensen". USL PDL. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
- Johnson, Derek (February 6, 2018). "Paul Christensen drafted by Atlanta United FC". The Woodinville Weekly. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
- "Atlanta United 2 signs three players". Atlanta United FC. February 18, 2018. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
- "Charlotte Independence vs Atlanta United 2". uslsoccer.com. United Soccer League. March 31, 2018. Retrieved April 7, 2018.
- "Atlanta United Signs Paul Christensen to Short-Term Agreement". Atlanta United FC. May 4, 2018. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
- Roberson, Doug (May 9, 2018). "Atlanta United's unbeaten streak ends with loss to KC". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved May 9, 2018.
- Humphrey, K. "Triumph's Paul Christensen Announces Retirement". GreenvilleTriumph.com. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
- Paul Christensen at Soccerway