The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) announced today the signing of defender Tristan Blackmon, the Club’s third overall selection in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft. Blackmon, 21, has been with the Club for the entirety of preseason and will be added to LAFC’s supplemental roster.
“We are pleased to welcome Tristan to the Club as he signs his first professional contract,” said LAFC EVP of Soccer Operations and General Manager John Thorrington. “It is a big moment for him, and one that is well-deserved based on his performances to date this preseason. We believe Tristan has a bright future, and we look forward to watching him develop on-and-off the pitch.”
The 2017 West Coast Defender of the Year was taken with the No. 3 overall pick out of the University of the Pacific, becoming the first player in school history to be selected in the MLS SuperDraft. In his four years with the Tigers, Blackmon appeared in 70 matches (68 starts), while tallying 16 goals and nine assists.
The 6-foot-1 defender joins an experienced backline that includes USMNT member Walker Zimmerman, Belgium international Laurent Ciman, as well as MLS veterans Steven Beitashour, Jordan Harvey and Dejan Jaković.
Blackmon becomes the second rookie signing after the Club agreed to terms with João Moutinho, the first overall pick in last month’s SuperDraft.
“Tristan has done extremely well for himself throughout the course of training camp,” said LAFC Head Coach Bob Bradley. “He has great pace, he’s displayed the ability to defend one-on-one, while also being able get into the attacking third. He has worked extremely hard and has earned his spot on the roster.”
Transaction: Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) signs 2018 MLS SuperDraft selection (third overall) Tristan Blackmon to the Club’s supplemental roster.
