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Former Seattle Sounder Brad Evans announces retirement after 12 years

Kansas City, Kansas (December 18, 2018) — Brad Evans has called it a career.

The former Seattle Sounders veteran has officially wrapped up a 12-year playing career. Evans’ announcement of retirement came on Monday. This past season, Evans featured for Sporting Kansas City after nine seasons with the Sounders.

Former Seattle Sounder Brad Evans announces retirement after 12 years

Evans began his career with the Columbus Crew SC, staying for two seasons. In his second season in the league, with Columbus, Evans lifted his first MLS Cup trophy. He won another title in 2016, this time with the Sounders.

In Rave Green, Evans also lifted four Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup trophies.

Throughout his entire MLS career, Evans made 230 appearances, starting 198 matches and scored 25 goals. The defender and midfielder recorded 29 assists, while putting in 17,351 minutes on the pitch during the regular-season.

In the post-season, Evans made 25 appearances, scoring three goals and providing two assists.

In a statement, released through Sporting Kansas City, Evans said that the last 12 years have been “an absolute privilege.”

“There are so many teammates, players, coaches and fans who I am excited to thank,” Evans said. “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 is not the only notable Seattle Sounder to retire from soccer this year. Earlier in the year, Clint Dempsey announced his retirement.

What They Said: Seattle Sounders

Evans most notable club was Seattle, spending nine seasons in the Pacific northwest. Evans was a prominent figure for the Sounders, wearing the captain’s armband during his final years with the club.

His former teammates and coaches spoke about his retirement, via a quote-sheet press release.

“Brad Evans is one of the great Sounders from any era of our club’s history,” Adriana Hanauer, club owner, said. “From being selected in the Expansion Draft, to starting our first-ever match in MLS and helping our club to multiple titles over nine seasons, Brad has left an indelible mark on the Seattle soccer community. We would like to join with the rest of the soccer world today in wishing him congratulations on an exemplary career, one that made a major difference to our club and all Sounders fans.”

Meanwhile, Evans’ former head coach, Brian Schmetzer, called him a “first-class representative of the Seattle Sounders.”

“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,” Schmetzer said. “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.”

Goalkeeper Stefan Frei touched on Evans as a person and talked about his “blunt, sarcastic” sense of humor.

“Brad always had such a veteran presence in the locker room,” Frei said. “His blunt, sarcastic sense of humor kept people on their toes, like a rookie who just signed his professional contract — good times. But people listened when he had something to say and everyone valued his opinion. I wish you all the best in your next adventure, B-Rad.”

What They Said: Sporting Kansas City

Evans’ latest head coach said that he was always a professional.

“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,” Peter Vermes said. “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.”

Evans’ teammate, Graham Zusi, said that he was always likable on the field and in the locker room.

“Brad’s resume and trophy case speaks for itself, but his attitude and ability to bring a group together make him an incredible teammate,” Zusi said. “I feel lucky to have shared the field with him, even if only for a short period of time.”

Evans featured alongside Zusi on the U.S. Men’s National Team. His USMNT career was short, but Evans starred in 27 matches. Evans scored one goal for the USMNT against Jamaica in a crucial World Cup qualifying match on June 7, 2013.

From Evans: Time to Relax

 

PHOTO: Brad Evans claps while leaving CenturyLink Field. The defender/midfielder announced his retirement from Major League Soccer on Monday, after 12 seasons. Photo courtesy of Jane Gershovich/Seattle Sounders FC.

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