Sounders FC's Brad Evans adjust to new reserve role

TUKWILA — Brad Evans started every Sounders FC game except one from the inaugural game until June 28. Then the U.S. national team came calling for his services in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Evans got his job back — be it on the wing or in the center midfield — after returning from the national team, but has come off the bench in two straight regular-season games now. The third-year pro started 18 of 26 games for the Major League Soccer champion Columbus Crew last season, but for now has a new role for his coach at Columbus and in Seattle — reserve.

"It's just the way it's going right now," Evans said. "We've had a few talks, myself and the coaching staff, but you know it's late in the season and it's obviously not my decision. It's been working out lately ... different things happen in a season. You play a lot of games, legs get tired. Mentally you get a little bit worn out, too. It's a testament to the guys who do play every minute of every game, that they're able to stay focused and produce the same production week in and week out, and maybe for a little bit there, I wasn't doing that."

Evans also came off the bench in the U.S. Open Cup final earlier this month, so he hasn't started any game in September and hasn't scored since April.

But Evans isn't out of the main rotation of players, which is 15 or 16 players deep, Sounders FC coach Sigi Schmid said. Peter Vagenas has essentially replaced Evans in the starting lineup.

"Vagenas in midfield is a very good organizer, so sometimes you need players on the field who make the players next to them better," Schmid said.

Schmid felt Evans wasn't initially as sharp nor as fit as before he left Sounders FC for the Gold Cup, which gave Vagenas his opportunity to start after the tournament ended.

"Evans, he knows that. We've talked," Schmid said. "He's a very important player to our team. Right now I can't tell you if he's going to start next week [Saturday at New England] or not start, but he's always someone that we consider for that."

Evans, who has played defensive midfielder, right midfielder and right fullback, is taking his bench time to observe games more closely and "reevaluate" where he is.

"Hopefully, I'll be back on the field in time for starting the playoffs," Evans said. "It's all for the team. I don't feel left out at all. I'm still contributing and I practice day in and day out putting in the effort. It's a long season. That's why you have more than 11 guys on a team."

José Miguel Romero: 206-464-2409 or jromero@seattletimes.com