SEATTLE, WASH. – Seattle Sounders FC today announced that it has signed defender Jackson Ragen. The Seattle native inks a First Team contract for the 2022 season, with team options for 2023 and 2024. Ragen joined Tacoma Defiance midway through 2021, making 16 USL Championship appearances. The Rave Green acquired the College Protected Period Priority for Ragen from the Chicago Fire in exchange for a natural third round selection in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft.
“We are excited to sign Jackson to a First Team contract,” said Sounders FC General Manager & President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey. “Jackson is a promising young defender who we think can provide us with good depth at the position this season. We look forward to continuing his professional development within our club.”
After signing with Defiance on August 8, Ragen made his mark on Tacoma’s back line last season, starting all 16 of his appearances with one goal. He recorded 20 tackles won, 69 clearances and 11 interceptions, providing a solid presence for Defiance’s defense.
“Jackson’s performance in preseason so far has earned him this opportunity with the First Team,” said Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. “He joins a strong position group alongside a number of talented centerbacks, and we’re excited to see how he continues to improve.”
The six-foot-six defender returned to the Pacific Northwest when he joined Defiance on August 8 of last year after a star-studded career at the University of Michigan, where he won Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year during his senior season, scoring a team-high five goals in the campaign. Ragen also received First Team All-Big Ten honors in 2019 and 2021. Before his time with the Wolverines, Ragen played for Sounders FC Academy for one year during the 2016-2017 season and was part of the U-18 squad that placed third in the USSDA playoffs.
“It’s always nice to sign young players who have earned their chance at the MLS level,” said Sounders FC Senior Vice President of Soccer Operations & Sporting Director Craig Waibel. “Jackson performed admirably for Defiance last season, and we’re hopeful he can build off that performance in 2022 and beyond.”
After preseason camp in Palm Springs concludes on Tuesday, the Rave Green travel directly to Honduras for a February 17 matchup with F.C. Motagua in 2022 Concacaf Champions League action. The second leg of the Round of 16 takes place in Seattle on February 24 at Lumen Field. Sounders FC's 2022 MLS campaign begins at home on February 27 vs. Nashville SC.
TRANSACTION: Sounders FC signs defender Jackson Ragen on February 14, 2022. Seattle acquired the College Protected Period Priority for Ragen from the Chicago Fire in exchange for a third round selection in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft.
Full Name: Jackson Ragen
Position: Defender
Number: 25
Height: 6-6
Weight: 200
Hometown: Seattle, Washington
Date of Birth: September 24, 1998 in Seattle, Washington
Nationality: United States
Acquired: Signed on February 14, 2022
