Vancouver Whitecaps ink reigning MLS defender of the year Blackmon to extension

By Canadian Press on February 25, 2026.

VANCOUVER — Major League Soccer’s reigning defender of the year is sticking with the Vancouver Whitecaps.

The club announced Wednesday that it has signed centre back Tristan Blackmon to an extension through the 2029-30 season.

Blackmon spent four seasons with Los Angeles FC before being dealt to the ‘Caps via Charlotte FC in the league’s 2021 expansion draft.

He’s since become a stalwart presence on Vancouver’s backline, playing 143 appearances across all competitions for the club, including 126 starts, and has contributed nine goals and two assists.

The 29-year-old Las Vegas native had a breakout campaign in 2025, helping the Whitecaps to a fourth straight Canadian Championship and a spot in the MLS Cup final before being named the league’s defender of the year.

Blackmon was called up to the U.S. national team for the first time in September and played in two international friendlies.

“Since the day he arrived, Tristan has consistently pushed himself and grown into one of the league’s top defenders,” Whitecaps sporting director Axel Schuster said in a statement.

“He has delivered countless memorable moments for our club, and we are excited to extend his contract and continue building together here in Vancouver.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 25, 2026.

The Canadian Press