Blackmon Third Overall Pick in MLS SuperDraft

Blackmon Third Overall Pick in MLS SuperDraft

Pacific men’s soccer defender Tristan Blackmon was selected in the First Round of the 2018 MLS SuperDraft Friday morning. Blackmon will join Los Angeles FC after the new MLS franchise traded up for the number three overall pick to select the Tigers’ All-American.

After helping Pacific grow from a brand new program his freshman year, to a nationally prominent program as a junior and senior, Blackmon will join a new organization that will begin play for its’ first MLS season in 2018-19, in LAFC.

The Tigers’ first-ever MLS draft pick, Blackmon was selected for his versatility and ability to contribute on offense from his right back role. Blackmon spent his first two years with the Tigers at forward, and is the program’s all-time leading goal scorer an also leads in points. In his final two seasons at Pacific, he transitioned to the defensive line and earned West Coast Conference Defender of the Year honors.

“It is an exciting day for Tristan, his family and for Pacific soccer,” Tigers’ head coach Ryan Jorden said. “I am so pleased for Tristan and for this opportunity that he will have to pursue his soccer career at the highest level in America. Tristan joined our inaugural recruiting class four years ago, which has become the foundation of the Pacific soccer program. In combination with Tristan’s drive and desire to complete his undergraduate degree in 3 1/2 years, these commitments reflect his great personal qualities. Tristan’s continued development into one of the top players in the country during his time at Pacific has positioned him for future success and I hope that his MLS draft selection will be the first in a line of players who will have the chance to continue onto professional playing opportunities from our soccer program.”

The Tigers went 13-4-2 in 2017 in earning their second-straight NCAA bid. Blackmon led the Tigers’ backline that held opponents to 1.05 goals against per game in 2017. He also chipped in a pair of goals and a pair of assists offensively. Blackmon was named All-WCC for the third time in his four year career. Last season, Blackmon earned First Team All-Region honors on his way to NSCAA All-American accolades.

He totaled 16 goals and nine assists for 41 points in his four years. The Tigers restarted the program in 2014-15 with Blackmon as a freshman and he led Pacific to two NCAA Tournament appearances in the last two years, with a 2-1-1 record in NCAA games. Now, Blackmon will join LAFC in the team’s inaugural season in MLS.

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