Paul Christensen MLS Debut!
Date Posted: 5/18/2018
Date Posted: 5/10/2018
ATLANTA, Ga. --- After regular Atlanta United FC goalkeeper Brad Guzan was shown a red card in the 36th minute of their match with Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday night, rookie Paul Christensen was inserted into the line-up as the Portland men's soccer alum made his MLS debut in front of 45,000 fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Just last fall, Christensen was concluding his stellar career for the Pilots, nabbing his second straight West Coast Conference Goalkeeper of the Year Award.
"It was an amazing experience for me," Christensen said. "Something I will always remember for the rest of my life. The atmosphere was incredible. The support I've received from everyone at UP really shows how close-knit the community is at the school."
"The Pilot Soccer program is incredibly proud of Paul for making his MLS debut as a rookie," Portland head coach Nick Carlin-Voigt said. "I love it when good things happen to great people. He did a fantastic job facing a tough situation in front of his home crowd of 45,000 fans. He looked confident, sharp, and stepped up with a huge breakaway save. Paul is a great ambassador for our program and now joins an elite company of fellow Pilots to play in the MLS."
Christensen, who originally hails from Woodinville, Wash., has spent most of this season with Atlanta United 2 after Atlanta United FC chose the goalkeeper with the first pick of the fourth round of the 2018 MLS SuperDraft in January.
"To step in, down a man, I thought he did really well," captain Michael Parkhurst told atlutd.com about Christensen following the match. "He communicated well. He made that big save for us early in the second half. So, kudos to him for being ready and stepping up in a tough spot."
The goalkeeper ended his career at Portland No. 5 all-time in program history in both shutouts (20) and saves (283). A four-year starter, Christensen was named to the 2017 United Soccer Coaches All-Far West Region Team after leading the conference in shutouts for the second consecutive year, producing six clean sheets overall. His three shutouts against league opponents were also tops in the league, as was his 1.11 goals against average.