VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC has acquired defender Tristan Blackmon in a trade with expansion side Charlotte FC, the club announced on Tuesday. Blackmon, who spent the last four seasons as a member of Los Angeles FC, joins Whitecaps FC in exchange for $350,000 in General Allocation Money for 2022 and an additional $125,000 in General Allocation Money for 2023.
“We are very pleased to welcome Tristan to our club and city,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC sporting director. “He brings league and cup experience from a very good team. It is always key to find the right balance of MLS experience and new young players to this league; for that reason, it was important to get a deal done while we had the opportunity to make a trade through the expansion draft.”
Whitecaps FC defender Tristan Blackmon
· 79 appearances with LAFC across all competitions, scored two goals and added seven assists
· Fourth most clearances and fourth most interceptions on LAFC since signing in 2018
· Helped LAFC lift the 2019 Supporters’ Shield
· Third overall selection in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft
A versatile defender capable of being deployed as a centre back, fullback or wingback, Blackmon spent four seasons with Los Angeles FC prior to being selected by Charlotte FC in Tuesday’s expansion draft. 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.
"He has good experience in the league and is entering his prime," added Vanni Sartini, Whitecaps FC head coach. "He can play multiple positions in the back, which gives us additional flexibility in our roster. We are very excited to add Tristan to our group."
During his first two seasons with LAFC, Blackmon had two loan stints with USL side Phoenix Rising FC making 13 appearances.
Before being drafted by Los Angeles FC third overall in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft, the Las Vegas, Nevada native made 71 appearances for the University of the Pacific across four seasons.
TRANSACTION:
On December 14, 2021, Whitecaps FC acquire defender Tristan Blackmon from Charlotte FC in exchange for $350,000 in General Allocation Money for 2022 and an additional $125,000 in General Allocation Money for 2023.
Tristan Blackmon
Position: Defender
Height: 6-01
Weight: 180 pounds
Date of Birth: August 12, 1996 in Las Vegas, Nevada
Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
Status: Domestic
Professional Clubs: Charlotte FC (2021), Los Angeles FC (2018-21), Phoenix Rising FC (2018 & 2019 on loan)
Instagram: @tristan.blackmon
Acquired: Acquired by Vancouver Whitecaps FC via trade from Charlotte FC on December 14, 2021
