The Seattle Sounders will be without a key defender to start the 2017 season.
According to the Seattle Times, Brad Evans could miss five-to-seven weeks due to a calf muscle strain. The versatile defender was a likely starter at right back, a position of weakness for the club. Evans reportedly began experiencing problems after returning from U.S. Men’s National Team camp.
“We’re going to shut him down to make sure he’s 100 percent and see if we can’t get him for the rest of the season,’’ head coach Brian Schmetzer said.
Swedish midfielder Gustav Svensson played 90 minutes on Saturday in Evans’ right back position while Oneil Fisher is another option to replace the USMNT defender.
Here’s a closer look at some more of Tuesday’s MLS news and notes:
HAMLETT NAMED RED BULLS SPORTING DIRECTOR
The New York Red Bulls’ offseason was filled with front office drama, and it appears that positions are finally settled heading into the regular season.
Following the departure of Ali Curtis, the Red Bulls confirmed on Tuesday that Denis Hamlett has taken over as Sporting Director. The longtime coaching veteran has been on Jesse Marsch’s staff for the past two seasons.
“Denis has vast experience in Major League Soccer and an excellent understanding of our global philosophy,” said Head of Global Soccer Oliver Mintzlaff. “We are confident that Denis has the vision to further our goal of winning MLS Cup.”
WHITECAPS SIGN ROSALES
A familiar face is set for a return to the Vancouver Whitecaps.
The Whitecaps announced that the club has signed Mauro Rosales, whose deal features a club option for 2018. Rosales initially joined the Whitecaps in August 2014 and made 36 appearances before moving to FC Dallas last season.
“Mauro is a senior player who brings tremendous leadership and commitment to our locker room, someone who can connect with players while still playing with them,” said Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson. “We missed him last year both for what he brought on and off the field. We have some talented young attacking players, and along with our coaching staff, Mauro is one of the best ones to teach them.
“He brings professionalism, the right attitude, and demands the best from teammates. He is a welcome addition back to our club.”
GLEESON, RIDGEWELL CLEARED TO PLAY FOR TIMBERS
Liam Ridgwell and Jake Gleeson have been cleared to play for the Portland Timbers following their offseason incident.
The duo were arrested for a drunk driving incident in October, although Ridgewell’s charges were eventually dropped. As such, the English defender is eligible to play for the Timbers while Gleeson is also available to join the team as he continues to participate in the league’s Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health protocol.
SPORTING KC WAVES JOYA, VOLESKY
With the regular season looming, Sporting KC announced on Monday that the team has trimmed its roster by two.
Midfielder Benji Joya and forward Christian Volesky were waived on Monday, the club announced. The move to waive Joya comes just several months after signing the young midfielder, who appeared in one CONCACAF Champions League game.
Volesky, meanwhile, was acquired in January after previously featuring for the Rochester Rhinos and made four preseason appearances for the club.