Quentin Westberg
Encyclopedia
Quentin Westberg is a French-born American soccer player who plays for French club Évian in Ligue 1
. He is a graduate of the Clairefontaine
academy and previously served as the number one goalkeeper for Troyes
. Though born in France, Westberg opted to represent the United States on the international level
and is a former youth international
having represented the team at under-17 and under-20 level, whom he played with at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship
.
, a commune
in the western suburbs of Paris, to an American father and a French mother. Westberg initially started his football career with FC Saint-Cloud located not far from his hometown. He later had a stint at first division
club Paris Saint-Germain training at the Camp des Loges
before moving on to FC Issy-les-Moulineaux in southwest Paris. After a year at the club, Westberg was selected to attend the prestigious Clairefontaine
academy after successfully passing the entrance exams required to attend. While attending the academy, he was apart of “A la Clairefontaine”, a documentary series by Bruno Sevaistre which chronicled the lives of the France's top young footballers during their time at the academy. After leaving the academy, Westberg signed youth papers with then-Ligue 1
club Troyes AC
.
appearing as a substitute in the fifty-first minute for the injured Ronan Le Crom
with the match drawn at 1–1. Westberg conceded two goals resulting in Troyes losing the match. The following week, Westberg started against Saint-Étienne
and earned his first career victory conceding only one goal in a 3–1 win. That would be his only two appearances of the season with Troyes suffering relegation to Ligue 2
.
Due to his limited opportunities, in the off-season, Westberg pondered departing the club either through a loan deal or a definitive transfer. However, he committed to the club, who were now playing in Ligue 2. The new season saw Westberg handed the number 1 shirt and designated as the team's goalkeeper for cup matches. He earned his first career clean sheet in a 2–0 victory over Gueugnon
in the Coupe de la Ligue
on August 28, 2007. The following month, Troyes were eliminated from the competition ater losing 1–0 to Nice
with Westberg playing the full 90 minutes. In the Coupe de France
, Troyes, with Westberg in goal, earned victories over amateur clubs Forbach
(1–0) and Jarville
(3–1) in the 7th and 8th round, respectively. In the following round against Montpellier
, Westberg was replaced by domestic starter Cyrille Merville
. Despite the shift, Troyes lost the match 1–0. Westberg's only appearance domestically came on the final match day of the season in an embarrassing 5–0 loss to Guingamp.
Westberg remained Troyes' domestic cup keeper for the 2008–09 season as he remained second fiddle to Merville in league play. Westberg performed well in the Coupe de France
recording one clean sheet and helping Troyes reach the Round of 32 where the club was upending by Rodez
. In the Coupe de la Ligue
, the team, with Westberg in goal, reached the third round before losing to Metz
. The club's positive performances in the cup competitions were overwhelming compared to its negative performance domestically as the club suffered relegation to the Championnat National
, the third division of French football. With the club now semi-professional
, a host of veterans departed the club, which included Merville, who joined Arles-Avignon. Due to Merville's departure, Westberg was finally handed the starting goalkeeper spot. In the 2009–10 season
, Westberg performed well appearing in 32 of the 38 league matches contested conceding only 25 goals, which was second best among the league's starting goalkeepers. Following the season, in which Troyes earned promotion back to Ligue 2, Westberg was not re-signed to a new deal and departed the club after playing through the duration of his contract.
. On January 9, 2011, Westberg started in goal in Évian's 3–1 upset victory over the defending league champions
Marseille
in the Coupe de France
.
On May 20, he was in goal during a 1–2 away victory at Stade de Reims which saw his team gaining promotion to Ligue 1
.
. Westberg's father, an American, reached out to the United States Soccer Federation
, which led to the federation sending scouts John Hackworth
and Peter Mellor
of the United States under-17 team
to watch him. Westberg made his first major tournament appearance with the under-17 team at the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Championship
, held in Finland
, where he served as backup keeper to Phil Marfuggi. The United States reached the quarter-finals, where they lost 0–3 to Brazil
. Westberg's only appearance in the competition was in an 0–2 defeat to Spain
, in which he allowed goals from Cesc Fàbregas
and Jurado.
Ligue 1
Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
. He is a graduate of the Clairefontaine
Clairefontaine
Le Centre Technique National Fernand Sastre , commonly referred to as INF Clairefontaine , INF, or simply Clairefontaine, is the national association football centre that specializes in training French football players...
academy and previously served as the number one goalkeeper for Troyes
Troyes AC
Espérance Sportive Troyes Aube Champagne is a French association football club, based in Troyes. It was founded in 1900. The club was promoted to Ligue 1 for the 2005–06 season and their first Ligue 1 season was in 1954/55, and their second spell came in 1999/2000 Espérance Sportive Troyes Aube...
. Though born in France, Westberg opted to represent the United States on the international level
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
and is a former youth international
United States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
having represented the team at under-17 and under-20 level, whom he played with at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship
2005 FIFA World Youth Championship
The 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship took place in The Netherlands between 10 June and 2 July 2005. The 2005 championship was the 15th contested.- Venues :- Qualification :The following 24 teams qualified for the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship...
.
Early career
Westberg was born in SuresnesSuresnes
Suresnes is a commune in the western suburbs of Paris, France. It is located from the center of Paris. The nearest communes are Neuilly-sur-Seine, Puteaux, Rueil-Malmaison, Saint-Cloud and Boulogne-Billancourt...
, a commune
Communes of France
The commune is the lowest level of administrative division in the French Republic. French communes are roughly equivalent to incorporated municipalities or villages in the United States or Gemeinden in Germany...
in the western suburbs of Paris, to an American father and a French mother. Westberg initially started his football career with FC Saint-Cloud located not far from his hometown. He later had a stint at first division
Ligue 1
Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
club Paris Saint-Germain training at the Camp des Loges
Camp des Loges
The Camp des Loges is the training centre and club headquarters of French football club Paris Saint-Germain. It is located in the commune of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, which is in the western suburbs of Paris. Following the foundation of Paris Saint-Germain in 1974, the Camp des Loges began operating...
before moving on to FC Issy-les-Moulineaux in southwest Paris. After a year at the club, Westberg was selected to attend the prestigious Clairefontaine
Clairefontaine
Le Centre Technique National Fernand Sastre , commonly referred to as INF Clairefontaine , INF, or simply Clairefontaine, is the national association football centre that specializes in training French football players...
academy after successfully passing the entrance exams required to attend. While attending the academy, he was apart of “A la Clairefontaine”, a documentary series by Bruno Sevaistre which chronicled the lives of the France's top young footballers during their time at the academy. After leaving the academy, Westberg signed youth papers with then-Ligue 1
Ligue 1
Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
club Troyes AC
Troyes AC
Espérance Sportive Troyes Aube Champagne is a French association football club, based in Troyes. It was founded in 1900. The club was promoted to Ligue 1 for the 2005–06 season and their first Ligue 1 season was in 1954/55, and their second spell came in 1999/2000 Espérance Sportive Troyes Aube...
.
Troyes
Westberg spent approximately four years in the club's youth academy before being promoted to the senior team for the 2006–07 season. On October 21, 2006, he made his professional debut in a league match against ValenciennesValenciennes FC
Valenciennes Football Club is a French association football club based in Valenciennes. The club was founded in 1913 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top level of French football. Valenciennes plays its home matches at the recently-built Stade du Hainaut located within the city...
appearing as a substitute in the fifty-first minute for the injured Ronan Le Crom
Ronan Le Crom
Ronan Le Crom is a French professional football goalkeeper, currently with Paris Saint-Germain.Le Crom began his career at AJ Auxerre, joining the senior squad in 1991. He played only three matches for the club, one in each of his final three seasons, before leaving in 2002...
with the match drawn at 1–1. Westberg conceded two goals resulting in Troyes losing the match. The following week, Westberg started against Saint-Étienne
AS Saint-Étienne
Association Sportive de Saint-Étienne Loire is a French association football club based in Saint-Étienne. The club was founded in 1919 and currently play in Ligue 1, the top division of French football. Saint-Étienne plays its home matches at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard located within the city...
and earned his first career victory conceding only one goal in a 3–1 win. That would be his only two appearances of the season with Troyes suffering relegation to Ligue 2
Ligue 2
Ligue 2 , formerly known as Division 2, is a French professional football league. The league serves as the second division of French football and is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel , the other being Ligue 1, the country's top football division...
.
Due to his limited opportunities, in the off-season, Westberg pondered departing the club either through a loan deal or a definitive transfer. However, he committed to the club, who were now playing in Ligue 2. The new season saw Westberg handed the number 1 shirt and designated as the team's goalkeeper for cup matches. He earned his first career clean sheet in a 2–0 victory over Gueugnon
FC Gueugnon
Football Club Gueugnonnais was a French association football club based in Gueugnon. The club was formed in 1940 and played in the Championnat National, the third level of French football, before entering liquidation in April 2011. Gueugnon played its home matches at the Stade Jean Laville...
in the Coupe de la Ligue
Coupe de la Ligue
The Coupe de la Ligue , known outside of France as the French League Cup, is a knockout cup competition in French football organized by the Ligue de Football Professionnel...
on August 28, 2007. The following month, Troyes were eliminated from the competition ater losing 1–0 to Nice
OGC Nice
Olympique Gymnaste Club Nice Côte d'Azur is a French association football club based in Nice. The club was founded in 1904 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the top-tier of French football. Nice plays its home matches at the Stade Municipal du Ray located within the city. In 2013, the club is...
with Westberg playing the full 90 minutes. In the Coupe de France
Coupe de France
The Coupe Charles Simon, commonly known as the Coupe de France , is the premier knockout cup competition in French football organized by the French Football Federation...
, Troyes, with Westberg in goal, earned victories over amateur clubs Forbach
US Forbach
Union Sportive de Forbach Football is a French football club based in Forbach in the Lorraine region. The club was founded on 25 August 1909 under the name Sport Club Forbach and is a part of a sports club that consists of several other sports. The club played under the SCF emblem until 1919...
(1–0) and Jarville
Jarville JF
Jarville Jeunesse Foot is a French association football club. They are based in Jarville-la-Malgrange, Lorraine, France and are currently playing in the Championnat de France Amateurs 2 Group B, the fifth tier in the French football league system....
(3–1) in the 7th and 8th round, respectively. In the following round against Montpellier
Montpellier HSC
Montpellier Hérault Sport Club is a French association football club based in the city of Montpellier. The club was founded in 1919 and currently plays in Ligue 1, the top level of French football. Montpellier plays its home matches at the Stade de la Mosson, located within the city...
, Westberg was replaced by domestic starter Cyrille Merville
Cyrille Merville
Cyrille Merville is a French football goalkeeper who currently plays for Nîmes Olympique.- Career :He signed for then Ligue 1 side AC Arles-Avignon in the summer of 2009 from Troyes AC.-External links: * at L'Equipe...
. Despite the shift, Troyes lost the match 1–0. Westberg's only appearance domestically came on the final match day of the season in an embarrassing 5–0 loss to Guingamp.
Westberg remained Troyes' domestic cup keeper for the 2008–09 season as he remained second fiddle to Merville in league play. Westberg performed well in the Coupe de France
Coupe de France
The Coupe Charles Simon, commonly known as the Coupe de France , is the premier knockout cup competition in French football organized by the French Football Federation...
recording one clean sheet and helping Troyes reach the Round of 32 where the club was upending by Rodez
Rodez AF
Rodez Aveyron Football is a French association football club based in Rodez. The club was founded in 1929 and currently play in the Championnat de France amateur Group C, the fourth level of French football. From 1988–1993, Rodez played in Ligue 2. The club plays its home matches at the Stade Paul...
. In the Coupe de la Ligue
Coupe de la Ligue
The Coupe de la Ligue , known outside of France as the French League Cup, is a knockout cup competition in French football organized by the Ligue de Football Professionnel...
, the team, with Westberg in goal, reached the third round before losing to Metz
FC Metz
Football Club de Metz, commonly referred to as simply Metz , is a French association football club based in Metz. The club was formed in 1932 and has spent most of its history in the Ligue 1, though they currently play in Ligue 2, the second level in French football league system. Metz plays its...
. The club's positive performances in the cup competitions were overwhelming compared to its negative performance domestically as the club suffered relegation to the Championnat National
Championnat National
The Championnat de France National, commonly referred to as simply National or Division 3, serves as the third division of the French football league system behind Ligue 1 and Ligue 2...
, the third division of French football. With the club now semi-professional
Semi-professional
A semi-professional athlete is one who is paid to play and thus is not an amateur, but for whom sport is not a full-time occupation, generally because the level of pay is too low to make a reasonable living based solely upon that source, thus making the athlete not a full professional...
, a host of veterans departed the club, which included Merville, who joined Arles-Avignon. Due to Merville's departure, Westberg was finally handed the starting goalkeeper spot. In the 2009–10 season
2009–10 Championnat National
The 2009–10 Championnat National was the 17th edition of the 3rd division league. Play commenced on 7 August 2009 and ended on 21 May 2010.-Promotion and relegation:Teams relegated from Ligue 2 2008–09* 18th Place: Amiens* 19th Place: Reims...
, Westberg performed well appearing in 32 of the 38 league matches contested conceding only 25 goals, which was second best among the league's starting goalkeepers. Following the season, in which Troyes earned promotion back to Ligue 2, Westberg was not re-signed to a new deal and departed the club after playing through the duration of his contract.
Évian
On September 23, 2010, Ligue 2 club Évian Thonon Gaillard confirmed on its website that the club had signed Westberg. Prior to signing with the club, Westberg had been training with the reserve team of his former club Troyes in order to maintain his fitness. He made his debut four days later in a league match against BoulogneUS Boulogne
Union Sportive de Boulogne-sur-Mer Côte d'Opale is a French association football club based in the commune of Boulogne-sur-Mer. The club was founded in 1898 and currently plays in Ligue 2, the second of division of French football, having been relegated from Ligue 1 during the 2009–10 season.The...
. On January 9, 2011, Westberg started in goal in Évian's 3–1 upset victory over the defending league champions
2009–10 Ligue 1
The 2009–10 Ligue 1 season was the 72nd since its establishment. Bordeaux were the defending champions. The fixtures were announced on 5 June 2009, and play commenced on 8 August and ended on 15 May 2010. There were three promoted teams from Ligue 2, replacing the three teams that were relegated...
Marseille
Olympique de Marseille
Olympique de Marseille is a French association football club based in Marseille. Founded in 1899, the club plays in Ligue 1 and have spent most of its history in the top tier of French football. Marseille have been French champions nine times and have won the Coupe de France a record ten times. In...
in the Coupe de France
Coupe de France
The Coupe Charles Simon, commonly known as the Coupe de France , is the premier knockout cup competition in French football organized by the French Football Federation...
.
On May 20, he was in goal during a 1–2 away victory at Stade de Reims which saw his team gaining promotion to Ligue 1
Ligue 1
Ligue 1 , is the French professional league for association football clubs. It is the country's primary football competition and serves as the top division of the French football league system. Ligue 1 is one of two divisions making up the Ligue de Football Professionnel, the other being Ligue 2....
.
International career
Though born in France, Westberg opted to represent the United StatesUnited States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
. Westberg's father, an American, reached out to the United States Soccer Federation
United States Soccer Federation
The United States Soccer Federation is the official governing body of the sport of soccer in the United States. Its headquarters are located in Chicago, Illinois. It is a member of FIFA and is responsible for governing amateur and professional soccer, including the men's, women's, youth, futsal...
, which led to the federation sending scouts John Hackworth
John Hackworth
John Hackworth is an American soccer coach who is a Coach and Youth Development Coordinator for the Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer. He also served as an assistant with the United States national team and as head coach of the United States U-17 men's national soccer team. He was also the...
and Peter Mellor
Peter Mellor
Peter Mellor is an English former professional footballer whose career spanned three decades. Born in Prestbury, Cheshire, Mellor won an England Youth cap whilst with his first club Witton Albion . Tall, fair haired and ever smiling Mellor was soon spotted by Burnley, and quickly became their...
of the United States under-17 team
United States U-17 men's national soccer team
The United States U-17 men's national soccer team is the national under-17 association football team of the United States and is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation...
to watch him. Westberg made his first major tournament appearance with the under-17 team at the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Championship
2003 FIFA U-17 World Championship
The FIFA U-17 World Championship 2003 was held in the cities of Helsinki, Tampere, Lahti, and Turku in Finland between 13 August and 30 August 2003...
, held in Finland
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
, where he served as backup keeper to Phil Marfuggi. The United States reached the quarter-finals, where they lost 0–3 to Brazil
Brazil national under-17 football team
-Round of 16:-----Quarterfinals:-----Semifinals:-----Bronze medal match:----- See also:* Brazil national football team* Brazil Olympic football team* Brazil national under-20 football team* South American Under-17 Football Championship...
. Westberg's only appearance in the competition was in an 0–2 defeat to Spain
Spain national under-17 football team
The Spain national under-17 football team represents Spain in international football at this age level and is controlled by Royal Spanish Football Federation, the governing body for football in Spain....
, in which he allowed goals from Cesc Fàbregas
Cesc Fàbregas
Francesc "Cesc" Fàbregas i Soler is a Spanish footballer who plays as a central midfielder for La Liga club FC Barcelona.Fàbregas started his career as a trainee with Barcelona but was signed by Premier League side Arsenal in September 2003 at the age of 16...
and Jurado.