It didn't take long for the Sounders to extend two of the team's core midfielders.
Last week, Sounders FC Owner and General Manager Adrian Hanauer intimated that Seattle anticipated having a threesome of players that would take the reins of the club as the unquestioned leaders heading into the 2014 season and beyond.
With the extensions signed by Osvaldo Alonso and Brad Evans and a full season with Clint Dempsey on the horizon, that trio has been locked up by Sounders FC for the foreseeable future.
“I think that it’s highly likely that Clint along with Ozzie and Brad form a triumvirate of leaders on the team going forward,” Hanauer said at the time. “Along with a number of other guys on the team we feel that we have a very good core going into the offseason.”
On Wednesday, Evans became the final piece to that puzzle when it was announced that he has signed a contract extension to stay with the club that has seen him blossom from a young contributor to a key cog for Sounders FC and a regular with the U.S. National Team.
While he was the last of the three to be locked up long-term, Evans was among the first players with Sounders FC when he was selected in the 2008 MLS Expansion Draft just days after winning MLS Cup with the Columbus Crew.
Since scoring in the inaugural match – a 3-0 win over the New York Red Bulls – Evans has been a mainstay in Seattle’s lineup and has been one of the most reliable players for Head Coach Sigi Schmid, ranking third in club history in games played (112), games started (103), goals (17) and assists (19).
In the 2013 season, Evans had four goals and five assists in 24 matches and was instrumental in Seattle’s transition into a diamond midfield late in the season. He now has 22 goals and 21 assists in his MLS career, which includes two seasons with the Crew.
This year, he has also earned a regular spot with the U.S. National Team, showing his versatility as the starting right back in eight matches this year, giving him 16 caps in his career and pole position on a spot on the 2014 World Cup squad.
Add to that the ferocity of Alonso and the dynamic creativity and flair of Dempsey and Seattle has three cornerstones to its club for the 2014 season.
“My goal was to stay in Seattle and I’m very excited to continue my career here,” Evans said in the club press release. “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.”
