STOCKTON, Calif. – As one of the best players to come through the University of Pacific men's soccer program, Tristan Blackmon '17 is continuing to excel at the next level with the Vancouver Whitecaps. 
 
"The biggest factor in my decision to come to Pacific was the fact that I would have a great chance to be a starter as a freshman," said Blackmon. "I knew I wanted to play games right away and thought it would help me settle into the college lifestyle better if I was plugged into games right away. I also built a good relationship with Ryan Jorden and the group of incoming freshmen before going to training camp."
 
The Las Vegas, Nevada native, made 71 appearances for Pacific across four seasons and helped the side reach round two of the 2017 NCAA tournament, starting both matches. Blackmon was also awarded the West Coast Conference Defender of the Year in 2017, was named to the First Team All-Far West Region and the First Team All-West Coast Conference teams in both 2016 and 2017, as well as the West Coast Conference All-Freshman team in 2014 during his time at Pacific. 
 
"There are too many wonderful memories even to recount or try to put into words," recalls Blackmon. "I think a moment that not only myself but my teammates in the 2016 season will remember was when we got our first bid into the NCAA Tournament. We all made a lot of sacrifices and worked extremely hard that fall and summer, and spring before to set ourselves up to be successful that year in the regular season. I'm sure there is a video of our reactions on someone's phone at the campus now."
 
Blackmon was the third overall pick in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft by Los Angeles FC and spent four seasons with the club, making 69 appearances, including in the MLS Cup Playoffs. 
 
"There are many things I remember from Draft Day," continued Blackmon. "The most obvious moment for most guys, I'd assume, is having your name called by Don Garber. I remember the support I received from my family, the fans of LAFC and the staff that was in the building. It was a surreal moment, and it is definitely a day I will always remember. The Philly cheese steaks weren't too bad after a hectic day like that."
 
Blackmon was drafted by the expansion team Charlotte FC in the 2022 expansion draft, who then traded him to Vancouver Whitecaps FC, where he currently competes. The 6'2 defender has already settled in with his new club, being named to the MLS Team of the Week earlier this season. Blackmon has appeared in 19 games this season, with 14 games started and 1324 minutes played, which is second best for his career. His goal this season came against his former club LAFC, and he has added three shots on goal this season. 
 
"The MLS has grown without a doubt since I have been in the league," said Blackmon. "You can tell by the number of teams that have been added, the support of fans has increased, and the players that continue to come and join the MLS. I was lucky enough to be in maybe one of the biggest markets in MLS in Los Angeles. I was able to be in some of the biggest games week in and week out, and it's heading in the right direction regarding growth. I think it's getting much more respect than it had in the past, and that is an exciting feeling for sure."
 
Blackmon has had a chance to play against multiple top-level players in his time with the MLS, including what many believe is the face of the USMNT Christian Pulisic in his first year with LAFC as they battled Dortmund to a draw. Blackmon played all 90 minutes against the German powerhouse after being in professional soccer for just a few months. 
 
"The game against Dortmund my first year was a bit of a blur, to be honest," recalls Blackmon. "I was a young draft player and ended up playing the entire game against the German powerhouse in Dortmund. I played against many good players in that game, but it was very cool to be in a game with a player of his (Pulisic) status as well."
 
I learned a lot about myself at Pacific," said Blackmon. "I learned how to be a good teammate. I learned how to play my part. I learned how to be committed to a cause that even maybe I couldn't see myself. I learned to trust the process, which is the ideology that has helped me the most in my professional career."
 
You can catch Blackmon on ESPN+ as the Whitecaps look to close out the season on a high note.