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# Jackson Ragen Earns Only Sounders All-Star Nod; Andrew Thomas Misses the Cut
- URL: https://www.emeraldcityspectrum.com/jackson-ragen-seattle-sounders-mls-all-star-2026/
- Published: 2026-07-09T02:06:04.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-08T05:52:33.000Z
- Author: Qasim Ali
- Tags: News, Analysis, Sounders, Jackson Ragen, Andrew Thomas

Jackson Ragen is an All-Star.

Seattle's 6-6 center back, who first came into the organization through the Tacoma Defiance back in 2021, has been an iron man in Seattle's backline, starting in 11 of 13 games in 2026\. He received a coach's selection from Charlotte FC skipper Dean Smith on Wednesday to make the cut.

He's used his frame to bail Seattle out of some sticky defensive situations, blocking two shots in a 1-0 win over San Jose back in March, and has been a mainstay in a center back partnership that has included Yeimar, Alex Roldan, Antino Lopez and Kim Kee-hee. According to FotMob, Ragen ranks in the top 98% for ball touches among MLS center backs and his ability to distribute the ball with a 55% long ball completion rate has been a valuable tool for head coach Brian Schmetzer’s squad for a few seasons now.

While his numbers don’t stand out (defensive stars rarely make noise on paper), Ragen has been the indisputable leader of a Sounders team allowing the fewest goals per game in MLS at 0.85\. Ragen, a 27-year-old Seattle native, came up through the Sounders academy with forward Paul Rothrock, with both players carving out major roles with their hometown MLS side. 

After the initial fan/player/media voting to reveal the starting XI in early June, many wondered whether a Seattle consortium of keeper Andrew Thomas, left back Nouhou, midfielder Cristian Roldan and Ragen would make the team. But Ragen turned out to be the lone selection, with Seattle (7-3-3, 6th in Western Conference) closing its last five games before the June/July FIFA World Cup break on a 1-2-2 slide. Wednesday marked the fourth straight season the Sounders have tabbed one or fewer All-Star selections — a far cry from sending six players to Los Angeles in 2021.

Thomas' omission from the game was perhaps the most surprising part of the All-Star announcements. The first-year starter who has been a Sounder since 2024 has put up five clean sheets in 2026\. His 78.4% save rate is tops among starting keepers in MLS this season. For reference, USMNT and NYCFC keeper Matt Freese (70%) has a decently lower save rate compared to Thomas, and made the team as a coach's selection.

With Orlando keeper Maxime Crepeau also getting a coach's nod from Smith, a pattern of Eastern Conference keepers continues with Nashville's Brian Schwake, who was voted in by fans and media. In all, 16 players were picked by Smith, 11 by the panel of fans, players and media, rounded out by two picks from commissioner Don Garber.

The All-Star Game will feature the same format as last season's, with the MLS team taking on the Mexican Liga MX All-Star squad on July 29 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.