Resolute defending has been a cornerstone of Sounders FC since the club’s inaugural MLS season in 2009.
2026 has been no different.
With only 11 goals conceded in league, the Rave Green boast the joint-best defensive record in Major League Soccer. At the heart of the team’s defensive dominance has been center back and Sounders Academy product Jackson Ragen.
In 13 matches, the center back totaled 103 defensive contributions, including 59 recoveries, 74 clearances, 11 blocked shots and four clean sheets. He’s been a brickwall in the backline for the Rave Green — ultimately earning him a spot on MLS’ 2026 All-Star roster.
“It's an honor,” said Ragen.
Following the initial First XI MLS All-Stars announced on June 4, the remaining 18 players of the 29-man roster — including Ragen — were finalized by MLS All-Star Head Coach Dean Smith, Major League Soccer and MLS Commissioner Don Garber on July 8. On July 29, the team will travel to Bank of America Stadium where they will face off against the LIGA MX All-Stars.
“I'm going to try to represent the city and the club as best I can,” said Ragen.
Ticket & Bobble 3-Match Pack
Lock in three late-season matches that matter with the Ticket & Bobble 3-Match Pack, including Aug. 19 vs. Austin FC, Sept. 26 vs. Minnesota United FC (Vamos Sounders Match), and Oct. 1 vs. Sporting Kansas City. At each match, you’ll collect an exclusive Sounders player bobblehead, starting with Cristian Roldan on Aug. 19. The other two bobbles will be revealed soon.
This marks Ragen’s first ever All-Star selection in his career, but the Seattle native is no stranger to being recognized for his defensive efforts. The 28-year-old previously finished third in voting for MLS Defender of the Year in 2024 before earning Sounder FC’s Defender of the Year award the following year. Beyond MLS, the center back earned two separate call-ups to the U.S. Men’s National team camp following his star-studded performances with the Rave Green in 2024 and 2025.
Ragen’s latest honor represents the hard work he’s put forth as a valuable piece to the Sounders defense, though he views the selection as something even bigger than himself.
“We've had a good season so far, and it's an award for our defense that's been really well done, really well, and the team as a whole,” he said.
Appreciative of the recognition, his hope is to carry this recent success into future titles with his hometown team.
“I think the best things are actual trophies of Leagues Cup and Champions League, and hopefully an MLS Cup, which I haven't won yet, and a couple more coming soon.”
More likely than not, there is a Sounders player featured on the MLS All-Star roster yearly. It is a testament to not only the individual player selected but the consistency and quality of the overall organization. Since the club joined MLS in 2009, more than 25 Sounders players have been recognized as an All-Star, with some earning multiple selections.
Ragen summed it up perfectly.
“This club is always competitive, and there's always great players on this team.”
