Seattle Sounders’ Jackson Ragen hopes play earns USMNT call-up | Notebook

TUKWILA, Wash. — Seattle Sounders center back Jackson Ragen has set his sights on a place with the U.S. Men’s National Team, acknowledging that a call-up would cap a breakout stretch of club form. Yet the 6-foot-5 defender insists that any national-team buzz will remain secondary to tightening the Sounders’ back line.

“Obviously it’s a dream to represent your country,” Ragen said after training, “but my job right now is to help this team defend better and pick up results.”

The 25-year-old’s recent performances have fueled speculation that he could be in the mix for upcoming USMNT camps, though no formal approach has been confirmed. Ragen’s aerial dominance and composure in possession have anchored a Seattle unit seeking greater consistency, and he views each MLS outing as an audition for a bigger stage.

For now, the Washington native is keeping the focus internal, stressing that improved defensive numbers will serve both club and country ambitions.

Seattle next returns to league action this weekend, where Ragen’s showing will again be scrutinized by domestic and international observers alike.