LAFC sign 2018 MLS Draft pick Tristan Blackmon

The No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft has been signed.

Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Pacific University defender Tristan Blackmon signed with Los Angeles Football Club, joining overall No. 1 Joao Moutinho who was already signed when he was selected as he had a Generation Adidas contract with the league.

“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 in a statement. “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.”

Over the course of his four years with Pacific, Blackmon started 68 matches and racked up 16 goals and nine assists.

He now joins a backline that includes U.S. Men’s National Team defender Walker Zimmerman, Belgian international Laurent Ciman and league veterans Steven Beitashour, Jordan Harvey and Dejan Jakovic.

“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.”

Blackmon has spent all preseason with LAFC and is the first player from Pacific University to sign a professional contract in MLS. He is likely to compete for a starting spot this season.

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