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UPDATE: Apparently this is more of a training stint than a formal trial, but as we know that’s more semantics. In any case, we’re a ways off from this being official.
Was told by another source that at the moment it's just simply training, and they aren't sure whether or not there is a contract at the end of the road. He is NOT the trialist that was with them during the first week of pre-season. https://t.co/tujsZnNdzY
— Daniel Sperry (@sperrydaniel94) February 5, 2018
Is it the end of an era in Seattle? Sporting KC head coach Peter Vermes said that Brad Evans is training with his club this week, as relayed by Kansas City-based TotalMLS editor Jimmy Mack.
Peter Vermes said former Seattle Sounders defender Brad Evans is training with #SportingKC. His first day with the team is today.
— Jimmy Mack (@jcmack03) February 5, 2018
Evans, who has been with the Seattle Sounders since the club joined MLS in 2009, only made 11 appearances for Seattle in 2016 after re-injuring his back in the middle of the season. The versatile defender/midfielder was left unprotected by Seattle for the 2018 Expansion Draft, and was also out of contract.
Since Evans has not signed a new contract with the Sounders (nor did he have an option to be picked up for 2018), is over 28 years old, and has been in the league for more than eight years, he is officially classified as a free agent. This means that he can be signed by any club in Major League Soccer.
Despite injuries, Evans was still a key member of the Sounders in 2017 due to the experience and leadership he brought to the locker room. He could still sign a new contract with Seattle before the season starts, but the fact that he’s training with a different club means that he’s at least keeping his options open.
Evans will do what’s best for him and his career, but Sounders fans will undoubtedly miss him if he leaves. It’ll be weird to see a player who has done so much for the Sounders step onto the turf at CenturyLink in any color but rave green.