By DAN KARELL
Brad Evans has parlayed his recent form with both the Seattle Sounders and the U.S. Men’s National Team into a new contract.
The Sounders announced on Wednesday that Evans has signed a “multi-year contract” to remain with the club. Per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Evans’ signing comes just one day after the Sounders announced that they were bringing back Osvaldo Alonso on a Designated Player contract and nearly a week after announcing that Sigi Schmid would return to the club as head coach for next season.
“Re-signing Brad was a major priority for us,” Sounders owner and general manager Adrian Hanauer said in the club’s press release. “He has become a leader in the locker room and is a versatile player on the field. Brad exhibits the commitment, values and spirit of playing for the Sounders FC badge.”
In the 2013 season, the 28-year-old Arizona native played 27 times with 24 starts for the Sounders in domestic play, finishing with five goals and six assists as the Sounders made it to the Western Conference semifinals. Evans also split time this year with the USMNT, making 10 appearances as a right back for the squad in World Cup qualifying matches and friendlies.
Evans scored one goal for the USMNT this summer, the game-winner in their 2-1 victory at Jamaica in June.
“My goal was to stay in Seattle and I’m very excited to continue my career here,” said Evans. “It’s always an honor to play for this city and these fans. I can’t wait to get back to work with my teammates to prepare for the 2014 season.”
Evans has been a member of the Sounders since they entered MLS in 2009 after being selected in the MLS expansion draft. Prior to that, Evans spent two years playing for Sigi Schmid with the Columbus Crew, winning an MLS Cup in 2008.
This past season, Evans earned a base salary of $167,296 and it’s likely that he will see a boost in his salary with the new contract.
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What do you think of this news? Happy to see Evans stay with the Sounders? Did you expect him to re-sign with the club? Disappointed he didn’t go to Europe?
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