Jackson Ragen leaves USMNT camp with knee issue

Jackson Ragen has left the United States men’s national team camp after “aggravating a prior knee injury,” according to a media release. A source indicated that USMNT medical staff didn't think the injury was serious enough to warrant surgery but will likely require some recovery time.

Josh Atencio, who scored in a friendly against River Plate on Saturday, remains with the USMNT as they prepare for a friendly against Slovenia on Jan. 20.

The Sounders reported to preseason last week and will have a public training session on Tuesday at Starfire before departing for Marbella, Spain on Jan. 23.

Although January camps are often derided since they tend to lack any European players, they often serve as introductions for late-bloomers like Ragen. The 25-year-old has followed a path that has become far less common in recent years, attending four years of college and then starting off in the USL Championship before breaking through as a regular starter last season.

Despite the late start to his career, Ragen is generally regarded around the team as someone with real national team potential. At 6-foot-6 he is one of the tallest players in the USMNT pool and he graded out as the most effective passing defender in MLS last season.