2016 (Seattle): One of two players remaining from the original 2009 squad, Evans appeared in 23 league matches, making 21 starts. He began the season on club’s backline, slotting in at central defender alongside Chad Marshall. By season’s end, Evans proved his versatility as a midfielder, as well. He scored the 24th goal of his MLS career in a 2-1 win at Vancouver Whitecaps FC with an 81st minute penalty-kick winner (October 2). One of the most efficient spot-takers in league history, Evans improved to 11/11 all-time in penalty-kick attempts across all competitions for Seattle. This reliability also came in clutch during the MLS Cup, when Evans led off for Seattle with a converted attempt from the spot.
2015 (Seattle): The Sounders FC captain appeared in 28 league matches (27 starts), in addition to 90 minutes of action in the Knockout Round of the MLS Cup Playoffs against the LA Galaxy (October 28). Known for his versatility and consistency, Evans moved from his previous position in the midfield to centerback prior to the 2015 season. Although Evans was shuffled back to the midfield for four matches at the end of the summer, he returned to the central defense role by season’s end. In his seventh year with Sounders FC, Evans helped anchor a stout defensive unit that allowed just 36 goals during the regular season – tied for the best mark in MLS. Evans converted his lone penalty kick attempt of the regular season in a 2-1 win against the Portland Timbers (August 30). Evans recorded an assist on Chad Barrett’s equalizer three minutes into second half stoppage-time against the LA Galaxy (October 4), as well as an additional assist in a 3-0 win against FC Dallas (June 13). During the Group Stage of the 2015-2016 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League, Evans scored the latest goal in club history (in regulation) with a converted penalty kick seven minutes into stoppage time in a 2-1 win against CD Olimpia (August 19). Across all competitions, Evans is now 10/10 in penalty kicks for Sounders FC. Evans was called into the United States Men’s National Team on June 23 for the CONCACAF Gold Cup and appeared in three matches for the Stars and Stripes in 2015. He recorded an assist on the game-winning goal in a friendly against top-ranked Germany on June 10. For his charitable efforts, Evans was named Sounders FC’s Humanitarian of the Year and finished runner-up for the 2015 MLS WORKS Humanitarian of the Year.
2014 (Seattle): Evans appeared in 26 regular season matches, including 22 starts, plus all four MLS Cup Playoff matches and each of the five U.S. Open Cup matches. He made his 150th career MLS appearance at Vancouver (May 24). Against MLS competition, Evans tallied five assists, including three first-half assists against Chivas USA, which tied the MLS record (September 3). The midfielder made his first two career starts at left back versus FC Dallas (May 7) and New England (May 11). Evans scored the game-winning goal on a penalty kick in a 5-0 route over PSA Elite in the U.S. Open Cup (June 18). In the Second Leg of the Western Conference Championship, Evans scored a goal in the 25th minute. Prior to the World Cup, Evans was called into the United States Men’s National Team 30-man camp. He was named to the MLS Team of the Week in Week 22.
2013 (Seattle): Evans made 24 appearances and 21 starts in his seventh MLS season while balancing consistent National Team duty. He tied his career-high with five assists (second on team) and finished tied-fourth on club with four goals. Evans matched his career-high with 37 shots, set previously in 2008. He scored the first-half winner in a 2-0 win versus Colorado (October 30) in Knockout Round of MLS Cup Playoffs. In addition, Evans recorded an assist in a 2-1 loss versus Portland (November 2) in the Western Conference Semifinals. He scored two goals and two assists in a three-game stretch versus Chivas USA (July 28), versus FC Dallas (August 3), and at Toronto (August 10). Evans became the third player in club history to appear in 100 regular season games at San Jose (July 13). Evans assisted on Obafemi Martins’ game-winner in 2-0 win versus D.C. United (July 3). He recorded two assists in a 4-2 win versus FC Dallas (May 18), the first multi-assist game of his career. Evans scored his first goal of the season at Real Salt Lake (March 30). Evans converted both penalty kicks versus FC Dallas (August 3) and versus New York (September 29), making him a perfect seven-for-seven in his career. His 94th minute PK versus FC Dallas (August 3) is tied for the latest goal in club history. He finished the season with five goals and six assists in 30 appearances across all competitions.
2012 (Seattle): Evans set career-highs in games played and starts (29) in 2012, scoring four goals and four assists. He was named MLS Player of the Week for Week 33 after scoring two goals versus FC Dallas (October 21) and playing multiple defensive positions versus Real Salt Lake (October 17). He converted a penalty kick in a 2-0 win versus Houston (March 23), improving to five-for-five in his career. Evans assisted on Fredy Montero’s goal at New York (July 15) and Eddie Johnson’s goal vs. Vancouver (August 18). He recorded a goal and an assist in a 6-2 win at Chivas USA (August 25). In addition, Evans scored twice in CCL play, including the game-winners vs. Santos Laguna (March 7) and at Marathon (September 19).
2011 (Seattle): Evans came back from a knee injury to play in 20 games, starting 17. He tied a career-high with five goals and set a career-high with five assists. Evans scored his first brace and added an assist in win over Toronto FC (August 30). For his effort, he was named to the MLSsoccer.com Team of the Week. Evans was a team-best three-for-three on penalties and ranked second on the team with four game-winning assists. He scored the equalizing goal with penalty versus Vancouver (September 24) in game that clinched Cascadia Cup.
2010 (Seattle): In 11 starts on 12 appearances, Evans scored one goal and recorded a career-high three assists. He missed second half of season due to injury. His last match was versus D.C. United (June 10). Evans’ only goal was the eventual game-winner\ in the 12th minute of 2010 MLS First Kick versus Philadelphia (March 25).
2009 (Seattle): Evans started 27 of his 29 appearances, including all 210 minutes in both playoff games against Houston (October 29, November 8). He played the full 90 minutes in 26 games. Evans saw most action in central midfield but was also used on the right. By season’s end, he ranked fourth on the team in goals with three, including the game-winner in final home game vs. FC Dallas (10/24), and added two assists. All three goals came at home. He scored the second goal in franchise history against New York Red Bulls (March 19).
2008 (Columbus): Evans played in 26 games, starting 18, for the MLS Cup champion. He started and played the full 90 minutes in all four playoff games for Columbus. Evans scored the game-winning goal in the 2-0 semifinal second leg win over Kansas City (November 8). He scored five goals and added one assist during the regular season, finishing fourth on the team in scoring. The first goal of his MLS career was the game-winner at San Jose (May 10).
2007 (Columbus): Evans was selected in the second round of the SuperDraft (15th overall) by Columbus. He appeared in four games, starting one. He made his first career start at New York (May 19). Evans made his MLS and Crew debut versus New York (April 7). In addition, he started all four reserve division appearances.
Evans has 27 appearances with the U.S. National Team. He became the regular at right back for USMNT in 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying, starting nine of 10 appearances and logging 774 minutes in 2013. He scored the latest game-winner in USMNT qualifying history with a 92nd minute goal in 2-1 win at Jamaica (June 7). His first three caps came during the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup, and he made his USA debut in Seattle as a substitute vs. Grenada (July 4) and made his first start, at right back, versus Haiti in Philadelphia (July 12). Evans was called into the USMNT in January 2017 under new Head Coach Bruce Arena. A member of the U.S. U-20 National Team, coached by Sigi Schmid, that finished 11th at the 2005 World Youth Championships in Holland.
Evans scored a school-record 31 goals during his four years for UC Irvine and graduated as Anteaters’ career leader in game-winning goals (10) and total points (73). The most decorated player in school history, he earned Big West Offensive Player of the Year in 2005 and 2006 and All-America honors as a senior. He was named All-Big West in his final three seasons.
Evans is the son of Dawn and Tim Grippando, and he has one brother and two sisters. He is married to his wife, Becky. An accomplished outdoorsman, Evans enjoys hiking and fishing.
Selected from Columbus in the MLS Expansion Draft on November 26, 2008.
