Tristan Blackmon

PROFILE

A versatile defender capable of being deployed as a centre back, fullback or wingback, Tristan Blackmon was acquired by Whitecaps FC in a trade with Charlotte FC after the 2022 expansion side selected him in the expansion draft.

In March 2022, Blackmon signed a contract extension with the 'Caps through 2023, with club options for 2024 and 2025. Following the 2023 campaign, the club exercised both of those options. In January 2024, Blackmon agreed to a second contract extension with the club through 2027.

WHITECAPS FC

'24: Blackmon started 27 of his 32 appearances across all competitions in 2024, recording one assist. The centre back was sidelined through the middle of the season with a groin strain but made a strong return in September, starting 12 of the final 15 matches. During that stretch, Blackmon was named to the MLS Team of the Matchday for Matchday 31 after helping the ‘Caps earn a clean sheet against FC Dallas on September 7. Blackmon also made his 100th appearance across all competitions for the ‘Caps with his start in the 5-0 win against Portland Timbers in the Western Conference Knockout Round of the MLS Cup Playoffs.

'23: In his second season with the ‘Caps, Blackmon started a career-high 38 matches and made 42 appearances across all competitions, tallying three goals. The centre back scored his first goal of the season against Real C.D. España on March 8 and once again found the net on March 18 in the ‘Caps 1-1 away draw against Los Angeles Galaxy, earning a spot in the MLS Team of the Matchday for Matchday 4. The match also happened to mark his 100^th MLS appearance (including playoffs and MiB Knockout Round). In the latter stretch of the campaign, Blackmon finished the season starting 16 consecutive matches from July 30 to November 5, helping the Blue and White keep three clean sheets and scoring his third goal of the season at Toronto FC on September 16.

'22: In his first season with the ‘Caps, Blackmon became an influential part of Vanni Sartini’s backline, starting 24 of his 29 appearances across all competitions for the Blue and White. The native of Las Vegas, Nevada scored his first ‘Caps goal against his former team Los Angeles FC on March 20. After making his three appearances for the club, the defender signed a contract extension through 2023, with club options for 2024 and 2025. In the Canadian Championship Final against Toronto FC, Blackmon scored the winning penalty-kick in the shootout, helping the club secure its second-ever Voyageurs’ Cup. Blackmon was also named to the MLS Team of the Week for Week 5 after helping the ‘Caps secure a 1-0 home victory against Sporting Kansas City on April 4.

LOS ANGELES FC

'18-'21: Blackmon spent four seasons with Los Angeles FC after being drafted third overall in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft. The 25-year-old made 69 MLS appearances for Los Angeles FC including MLS Cup Playoffs and MLS is Back Knockout Round, while helping the club claim the MLS Supporters' Shield in 2019. Blackmon 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.

PHOENIX RISING FC

'18 & '19: During his first two seasons with LAFC, Blackmon had two separate loan stints with USL side Phoenix Rising FC making 13 appearances (including playoffs) and helping the team make a run to the 2018 USL Cup Final in the USL Cup Playoffs, falling 1-0 in the final to Louisville City FC. Along with the final itself, Blackmon started the Western Conference quarter-final against Swope Park Rangers and the Western Conference Final against Orange County.

COLLEGE

Before being drafted by Los Angeles FC, the Las Vegas, Nevada native made 71 appearances for the University of the Pacific across four seasons and helped the side reach round two of the 2017 NCAA tournament, starting both matches. Blackmon was also awarded the West Coast Conference Defender of the Year in 2017, was named to the First Team All-Far West Region and the First Team All-West Coast Conference teams in both 2016 and 2017, as well as the West Coast Conference All-Freshman team in 2014 during his time at UOP.