Christensen Selected by Atlanta United in the MLS SuperDraft
Date Posted: 1/23/2018
PORTLAND, Ore. --- Portland Pilots senior Paul Christensen is heading to Major League Soccer after Atlanta United FC chose the goalkeeper with the first pick of the fourth round of the 2018 SuperDraft held on Sunday. Christensen concluded a stellar collegiate career for the Pilots this fall.
"I am very excited to be drafted by Atlanta United FC," said Christensen. "They are a great organization who has had a lot of success from the beginning. I am looking forward to helping the team however I can. I couldn't ask for a better place to start my professional career. I could not have done it without the help of all my teammates, trainers and coaches at UP."
"Congrats to Paul Christensen for reaching his dream of being drafted to the MLS," Portland head coach Nick Carlin-Voigt said. "Paul was a class act for the University of Portland and represented the program with the highest levels of integrity, dedication and performance. He leaves the bluff with a degree and championship ring and will be missed. Paul worked very hard to graduate early and his academic commitment matched his athletic accomplishments.
"His parents did a wonderful raising him the right way and I couldn't have asked for a better leader to champion our culture. Also special credit to his GK coaches Bill Irwin and Emerson De Oliveira, who helped with his daily development during his time on the bluff. Great accomplishment for the program as we continue to forge a development pathway to the pros sending two seniors to Major League Soccer."
Christensen, who is the reigning two-time West Coast Conference Goalkeeper of the Year, 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.
Christensen joins senior teammate and defender Kris Reaves in the MLS after Reaves signed a homegrown contract with FC Dallas earlier this month. The pair are the 26th and 27th players coached by Carlin-Voigt to play, get drafted, or sign with an MLS team.