Tristan Blackmon signs new contract with Vancouver Whitecaps | OneFootball

Vancouver Whitecaps have signed center-back Tristan Blackmon to a contract extension through the 2027 campaign.

Blackmon originally joined the Canadian outfit in a trade with Charlotte FC in the 2022 expansion draft after three years with LAFC, where he lifted the 2019 Supporters' Shield and managed two goals and six assist in 79 appearances.

The former Phoenix Rising player has become a staple in head coach Vanni Sartini's starting XI, registering four goals in 71 appearances for the Whitecaps. The 27-year-old has also added to his trophy cabinet by lifting the Canadian Championship in back-to-back seasons in 2022 & 2023.

"When we acquired Tristan two seasons ago, we knew the quality and type of player he was on the pitch," Whitecaps sporting director Axel Schuster said in a statement.

"Since then, we have grown to learn the special person he is off the pitch. We are very pleased to know that Tristan will continue to a member of our club for years to come."

The Whitecaps boast a center-back unit that contains Ranko Veselinovic, Mathias Laborda, Karifa Yao and the previously mentioned Blackmon.

Vancouver recently announced the signing of former Norway youth international Bjorn Inge Utvik from Sarpsborg 08 on a deal through the 2026 season. Utvik managed 136 appearances for Sarpsborg, notching eight goals and six assists in the backline in the Norwegian first division.

"We are excited to welcome Bjorn and his family to the club and city," said Schuster.

"Bjorn brings a lot of experience and leadership to our group. In addition to being aggressive in the air, he wins a lot of duels overall and he is also comfortable on the ball in possession."

The Whitecaps, who were dumped out of the first round of MLS Cup playoffs action to LAFC, begin their 2024 season on February 7 vs Liga MX giants Tigres in the knockout stage of the Concacaf Champions Cup.

The Western Conference side open the MLS campaign on March 2 vs Charlotte FC at BC Place, with Sartini not in the dugout as he's set to begin his six-game suspension for his actions during Vancouver's postseason exit to LAFC.