Despite not making the final roster for last summer’s FIFA World Cup, Sounders FC captain Brad Evans has been a mainstay on the U.S. National Team in 2015.
Evans was just called in by Jurgen Klinsmann for the third time this year, earning a spot on the USA roster for international friendlies against the Netherlands and Germany. The 30-year old also played in the team’s 2-0 win over Mexico in April and was called into January camp before withdrawing due to tendinitis in his knee.
In Friday’s game versus the Netherlands (11:30 a.m. PT / ESPN), Evans could earn his 19th cap with the USMNT. He expects Klinsmann to use him in a similar role to the one he’s played for Sounders FC this year.
“I had a conversation with Jurgen and [USA Assistant Coach] Andi Herzog at the last camp. They saw me as a right back or centerback, and strictly that,” Evans said. “So maybe it helps that I’ve played consistently in that position this season. I think they know what they’re getting. They know what to expect, and I just hope to make an impact. It’s always an honor to get called in. Whatever they need is what I’m there to do, just like with [Sounders FC].”
Evans is joined in Europe by former Seattle defender DeAndre Yedlin and Sounders Academy product Jordan Morris.
The USMNT is looking to earn a result against the Dutch for the first time in the last five meetings between the nations. Following their match in Amsterdam on Friday, Evans and his teammates will travel to Cologne, Germany to face the World Cup champions on June 10.
Klinsmann’s squad welcomes the challenge of facing two of the most dominant teams on the planet, especially as it helps in preparation for the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
“When putting together the pieces for these two prestigious friendlies, in the back of your mind is the Gold Cup,” Klinsmann told USsoccer.com. “It’s a huge opportunity to play nations like these two. In a sense, we want to throw guys in the freezing cold water and see how they can swim.
“They’re challenges that you’d love to have every week, because in those games, you get answers to a lot of questions. I get a better idea of where these players are and what type of soccer they play.”
Evans will miss this weekend’s Sounders FC match against Sporting Kansas City but could be available for the June 13 game versus FC Dallas.
