Center backs Christen Westphal and Karina Gutsche have a rare chemistry on the backline.
Gutsche, a junior, is the aggressor who utilizes her physicality to ensure opponents with ball possession never cross her — even if that involves racking up fouls and yellow cards in the process.
Westphal, a sophomore, is the communicator that keeps the rest of the team in check.
During UF’s opening weekend, the two center backs led the defense, allowing two goals on four shots in two games.
Coach Becky Burleigh said the pair of center backs have owned their roles on the field, and Westphal has been a huge factor.
“Christen is really known for her ability to calm people down in the midst of chaos,” Burleigh said. “She’s great at keeping the tone even and not letting people get too emotional in the heat of the moment.”
Westphal added: “That’s probably how we got such a strong relationship. Gutsche looked through me to help her a lot and was open to anything when it came to learning.”
Their relationship continues to develop, now nearly a year after both stepped in for injured players: Westphal for former Gator Kat Williamson and Gutsche for then-sophomore Annie Bobbitt.
Westphal made her debut last season in the center back role, with Williamson serving as her mentor. When Williamson suffered a meniscus tear in her right knee against FIU on Sept. 2, Westphal had to react quickly to replace her on-field production and stability.
“It was really hard,” Westphal said of Williamson’s injury.
“When she went down, people kind of looked to me as their mentor. It was tough, but I had Kat on the sideline helping me, telling me what I needed to do and how I needed to communicate.”
Westphal, the 2012 SEC All-Freshman team selection, helped maintain a strong UF backline. She recorded 2,180 minutes and started 24 of the Gators’ 25 games.
Gutsche’s role increased about a month later when Bobbitt suffered a knee sprain against Alabama on Oct. 19.
“After that, I really gained knowledge on my position,” Gutsche said. “Watching video with the coaches in that position and being with the girls that I’m with now helps a lot with my leadership and my role on this team at this point.”
Gutsche played 832 minutes last season. Opponents scored just once during her first five games on defense.
Gutsche received a yellow card for roughing an Oregon State player forging into the attacking third Sunday. Her aggression is no secret. Even she knows how rough she can be on the field.
“I’m not one to get out of a tackle,” Gutsche said. “I love tackling.”
But Westphal’s calming influence has helped Gutsche keep her composure on the field.
Burleigh has seen the relationship unfold and has enjoyed what she has seen from the two center backs.
“I think they’re very complementary players to one another,” Burleigh said.
“They bring different strengths, and it makes them a hard pair. They’re both good defenders, they both can attack out of the back, they’re both hard, and they’re both smart. It’s a great pair.”
Follow Michelle Provenzano on Twitter @mmprovenzano.
Sophomore Christen Westphal runs down field during UF’s 3-1 victory against Oregon State on Sunday. Florida has allowed two goals in two games this season.
