Cristman graduated from Mills Godwin High School in Richmond, Virginia, where as a senior in 2003 he helped seal a perfect 22–0–0 record for the team on way to an AAA state championship and No.

Cristman was selected in the fourth round of the 2007 MLS SuperDraft by New England Revolution and signed a developmental contract with the club.

[1] After the 2008 season, Cristman was traded to Kansas City Wizards for allocation money and a third round 2009 MLS SuperDraft selection.

[2] On July 25, 2009, after being plagued by injury for the first few months of the year, he made his debut coming on as a second-half sub in an MLS game against LA Galaxy.

[4] After an extended layoff while he recovered from a knee injury, Cristman made his Galaxy debut on June 3, 2011, as a late substitute in a 0–0 tie with D.C. United.