MLS Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Whitecaps FC Sign Defender Tristan Blackmon to Contract Extension Through 2027

Published on January 29, 2024 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release


VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Monday that defender Tristan Blackmon has agreed to a contract extension through 2027.

"When we acquired Tristan two seasons ago, we knew the quality and type of player he was on the pitch," said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director. "Since then, we have grown to learn the special person he is off the pitch. We are very pleased to know that Tristan will continue to a member of our club for years to come."

Whitecaps FC defender Tristan Blackmon

Career-highs in 2023 with 38 starts, 42 appearances, 36 interceptions, and three goals

Two-time Canadian Championship winner in 2022 and 2023

62 starts and 71 appearances across all competitions for Whitecaps FC

"I couldn't be happier to extend my stay with the club and with this amazing group of players we have here in Vancouver," added Blackmon. "Over the past two years, we have seen this organization take big steps in the right direction, and I am so humbled and grateful to be a part of all the things we are trying to accomplish. My family and I are so excited to be able to make more memories with the great people we have grown to know and love since coming here. It is an incredible city, and we feel so blessed to call it home.

"It is the club's 50th anniversary and we plan to do everything we can to make this year special. Really looking forward to being back at BC Place with all of you soon!"

Since last summer, Blackmon is now the fifth player to sign a contract extension through at least 2025 including Andrés Cubas last July, Ranko Veselinović last August, Sebastian Berhalter last December and Ryan Gauld last week.

Blackmon, 27, was originally acquired by Whitecaps FC in December 2021 via a trade with Charlotte FC during the 2022 MLS expansion draft. The native of Las Vegas, Nevada has gone to start 62 of his 71 appearances across all competitions for the Blue and White, scoring four goals and playing a part in 14 clean sheets.

Blackmon recorded new career highs in 2023 as he tallied 38 starts, 42 appearances, and three goals across all competitions. The centre back finished the year tied for the third-most appearances and posted the second-most interceptions on the team in MLS play with 36.

During his time with the club, Blackmon has helped Vancouver secure back-to-back Canadian Championship titles, scoring the winning penalty-kick in the shootout of the 2022 final against Toronto FC at BC Place.

Prior to being selected by Charlotte FC in the expansion draft, Blackmon spent four seasons with Western Conference side Los Angeles FC, where he made 69 MLS appearances and helped the club claim the MLS Supporter's Shield in 2019. The centre back also made five appearances in US Open Cup and five starts in Concacaf Champions League, including three wins over Liga MX opposition, as LAFC made the CCL final.

During his first two seasons with LAFC, Blackmon had two loan stints with USL side Phoenix Rising FC, making 13 appearances.

At the collegiate level, he made 71 appearances for the University of the Pacific across four seasons before being drafted third overall by LAFC in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft.

TRANSACTION: On January 29, 2024, Whitecaps FC sign defender Tristan Blackmon to a contract extension through 2027.

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