Ranking the Top 75 MLS Players of 2024: 34. Jackson Ragen

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Jackson Ragen has been one of the most improved and underrated center backs in Major League Soccer as of late. He was a massive reason why Seattle sported the best defense in the entire league in 2024. He held strong next to Yeimar Gomez Andrade in the center of defense. The Sounders gave up just 35 goals over the course of the season, least in MLS. Those numbers led the team towards a deep playoff run.

Ragen scored an important 63rd minute equalizer to earn a point against the Houston Dynamo in June. He earned an assist to Raul Ruidiaz on the winning goal in an early 5-0 thrashing over CF Montreal. He also showed up on the scoresheet in Leagues Cup, with another winning goal against LA Galaxy. A few matches later, he scored again during a 3-2 win over Minnesota. Ragen grabbed yet another match-winning goal against Sporting Kansas City in September. The Sounders made it to the Western Conference Final and lost to the eventual champions in the Galaxy.

Seattle earned 14 total clean sheets in 2024, which can be partially credited to Ragen. He was a rock for the Sounders in the back across his 37 appearances. He also excelled with his long balls, connection on over 60% of his attempts. He passed at 90.5% accuracy and won 67% of aerial duels. The Sounders will bring back their defensive core in 2025 and look to continue the lack of scoring against, complemented by a brand-new attack on the other end of the pitch. Ragen comes in at No. 34.

34) JACKSON RAGEN | DEF, SEA | PER 90 STATS (PERCENTILE)

60.1% LONG BALL ACCURACY (95%)

90.5% PASS ACCURACY (88%)

67% AERIAL DUELS WON (85%)

14 CLEAN SHEETS