Midfielder Evans gives Sounders added punch

  • By Don Ruiz The News Tribune
  • Monday, July 29, 2013 10:02pm
  • SportsSports

The necessity of filling out 19 lineup cards so far in this injury-heavy MLS season has forced Seattle Sounders coach Sigi Schmid into some inventive lineups.

His 19th different combination contributed to Seattle’s 2-1 win over Chivas USA on Sunday, and at least one part of it could stick around a while: the central midfield pairing of the more defensively oriented Osvaldo Alonso with the more offensively focused Brad Evans.

However, that combo did not leave room for central midfielder Servando Carrasco, so he was on the bench for the first time after 12 consecutive starts.

“The thing with Brad is he will play a little more attacking in that position and close that gap behind the forwards, where Servando’s tendency is to play a little deeper,” Schmid said. “So, Brad gets a goal as a result of that. (Sometimes) we have to encourage Brad to stay a little bit, so we can lock it up a little bit. … But that was the reason we made the change because we thought Brad could give us more things going forward from that position.”

Evans started Seattle’s come-from-behind win in the 23rd minute, when he took a pass from forward Obafemi Martins and scored from about 15 yards.

“It was a good battle of possession, some good passing and Oba found me slipping through the middle,” Evans said. “First-time shot, and luckily beat (Chivas goalkeeper Dan) Kennedy.”

In the 57th minute, the winning goal came from Lamar Neagle, assisted by Mauro Rosales and Martins.

“It shows a lot about our character fighting back from 1-0 down and the goals were going to come,” Evans said. “It was just a matter of time. We were playing at home. We have a lot of pride playing in front of our fans. It’s about time we got a victory in front of them.”

With Evans and Alonso inside, Schmid once again used Rosales and defender/midfielder Marc Burch as his outside mids.

Schmid indicated that he likes the combination enough where it could return when FC Dallas visits CenturyLink Field on Saturday, and perhaps well beyond.

“We had to push him (Evans) wide thinking that Shalrie (Joseph) was going to get more minutes there. With (Joseph’s calf) injury taking as long as it is, we need Brad in the middle because Brad and Ozzie’s combination, they have got a lot of games together so there’s an understanding that’s there. It’s also their strengths play off of each other a little bit better.”

Notes

Rookie defender DeAndre Yedlin flew to Kansas City, Kan., on Monday where he will be the Sounders’ lone representative in the MLS All-Star Game on Wednesday. … Real Salt Lake forward Alvaro Saborio was voted MLS player of the week Monday after recording a hat trick in RSL’s 4-3 loss at New York.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.