Brad Evans returns to full Sounders training

It’s been a frustrating half year for Brad Evans. There’s been no singular injury that has sidelined him, but a series of smaller ones have kept him from starting since Aug. 28, 2016. That may soon change.

Evans was a full participant in Seattle Sounders training on Monday, the first time he’s been able to do that since joining the club after being called into the United States national team preseason camp.

"He's a versatile guy," Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer said. "He was penciled in as my starting right back and things are looking good for him to rejoin the team very soon."

Although this week’s game against the San Jose Earthquakes is probably a bit early for him to start, that spot still appears to be an open competition. Through four games, only Gustav Svensson has started more than once with Oniel Fisher dealing with his own injury concerns. Jordy Delem — effectively the team’s fourth of fifth choice right back and a natural defensive midfielder — started the last game and even Cristian Roldan has twice been deputized later in games.

Evans has only played there sparingly for the Sounders, but has proven himself competent enough a right back to make five starts for the United States national team during 2014 World Cup qualifying. The USA went 5-0-0 in those matches, including two road wins, and Evans even scored the game-winner at Jamaica.

- Additional reporting provided by Spenser Davis.