Jackson Ragen named Defender of the Year finalist

RENTON — For a second straight season, the Seattle Sounders led MLS by allowing the fewest goals (35). They also led MLS in shutouts (13) and expected goals against (39.44). It seemed only fair that at least one defensive player would be in consideration for an end-of-season award.

That it ended up being Jackson Ragen — a player more known for his passing than his defending — who made the short list as a Defender of the Year finalist was a bit unexpected. Heck, even Ragen was a little taken aback.

“I’ll start off by saying I’m a little surprised,” Ragen told reporters following Thursday’s training session. “I think it could have been Yeimar or I pretty easily. I’m honored people think very highly of me that they’d vote me for that.”

Ragen seemed to almost consider his nomination as more of a team acknowledgement and was quick to credit Yeimar with allowing him to shine.

“He’s been a huge mentor for me despite the language barrier,” Ragen said. “We have a great relationship. He’s helped me grow, helped me through some tough times on the field. I feel like our relationship is so good on and off the field. It’s a big part of why we’ve been the best defense the last two years. It’s working and we want to keep it going.”

“My opinion is we’re definitely the best pairing in the league but very different skillsets,” he added. “He embodies more actual defender whereas I’m more good with the ball and passing. I think that’s what makes our relationship so great.

After seeing who joined Ragen among the finalists — Inter Miami’s Jordy Alba and the Columbus Crew’s Steven Moreira — maybe his inclusion isn’t quite so surprising. All three of the finalists are more known for things they do that aren’t traditionally considered for this award.

In fact, Ragen is probably the most traditional fit as he at least plays as a centerback who is not expected to spend much time in the attacking half of the field. Moreira is a right-sided centerback in a three-back set whose value is mostly derived from his ability to join the attack. Alba is an even more curious choice as an attack-minded left back, who had four goals and 14 assists. Neither rate as even average in any key defensive categories.

While Moreira seems to be getting the support of most of the national pundits and Alba is easily the flashiest of the three, it’s possible Ragen grabs the award as the more traditional choice. Not only is he generally considered a solid defender and an elite passer, he also scored three goals, which was tied for the most among centerbacks.

Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei seemed pleased that voters are recognizing the evolving nature of the defensive unit.

“I’m hoping someone sees that even though it’s Defender of the Year award that in the modern game the defenders are the second or third attacker,” Frei said. “Players like him are vital. He’s our pivot in the back. He takes a lot of responsibility on his shoulders in terms of how we start our possession. I hope people saw it.”

Other award finalists

Landon Donovan MVP

Christian Benteke (D.C. United)
Evander (Portland Timbers)
Cucho Hernández (Columbus Crew)
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF)
Luis Suárez (Inter Miami CF)

Sigi Schmid Coach of the Year

Chris Armas (Colorado Rapids)
Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino (Inter Miami CF)
Wilfried Nancy (Columbus Crew)

Impact Award

Andrew Farrell (New England Revolution)
Darlington Nagbe (Columbus Crew)
Ilie Sánchez (LAFC)

Comeback Player of the Year

Robin Lod (Minnesota United FC)
Maxi Moralez (New York City FC)
Lewis Morgan (New York Red Bulls)

Defender of the Year

Jordi Alba (Inter Miami CF)
Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew)
Jackson Ragen (Seattle Sounders FC)

Goalkeeper of the Year

Kristijan Kahlina (Charlotte FC)
Hugo Lloris (LAFC)
Patrick Schulte (Columbus Crew)

Newcomer of the Year

Luca Orellano (FC Cincinnati)
Gabriel Pec (LA Galaxy)
Luis Suárez (Inter Miami CF)

Young Player of the Year

Diego Gómez (Inter Miami CF)
Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake)
Cristian Olivera (LAFC)