TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Retirement
Two-time MLS Cup winner Brad Evans announced his retirement as a player on Monday.
One of the most versatile players in recent times in MLS, the 33-year-old was a member of three teams in his professional career: Columbus Crew SC, in 2007 and 2008, followed by the Seattle Sounders, where he played the bulk of his career, from 2009 to 2017. For the 2018 season, Evans was a member of Sporting Kansas City, but he did not make any appearances for the first team in his final season.
"The last 12 years have been an absolute privilege, and there are so many teammates, players, coaches and fans who I am excited to thank," Evans said in a statement. "I'm extremely proud to have represented Seattle Sounders FC, Sporting Kansas City and the United States and appreciate every opportunity I have been given. Although my playing career has ended, I look forward to keeping the special relationships I've made throughout my time in Major League Soccer."
Evans won plenty of trophies in his career. In 2008, he won a Supporters' Shield-MLS Cup double with Columbus, before being selected in the Expansion Draft by Seattle ahead of the 2009 season. With the Sounders, Evans won four U.S. Open Cups (2009, 2010, 2011, 2014), the Supporters' Shield in 2014 and MLS Cup in 2016. According to Sporting, his trophy haul is tied for fifth-most in league history among players.
He was also a US national team player, earning 27 caps. Evans was renowned for his ability to play in any position across the midfield and defense, and was frequently played in multiple spots on the field each season.
"Brad was an excellent professional during his time with us and throughout his career," Sporting KC manager Peter Vermes said in a statement. "He was a great player and teammate who strengthened the culture of every club he played for, and we have tremendous respect for everything he has accomplished. We are sad to see him retire, but Brad can be extremely proud of the impact he has made on and off the field at every stage of his career."
"There are players that come around every once in a while that develop a really special connection with supporters, and Brad was that guy for us during his time in Seattle," said Sounders head coach Brian Schmetzer in a statement."Whether it was his unselfish playing style, his workmanlike attitude every day in training or his tireless work in the community, Brad was always a first-class representative of the Seattle Sounders. I'd like to join our organization in congratulating him on a successful career."
