Sounders defender Brad Evans has been shut down for five-to-seven weeks as he tries to recuperate from what’s being called a calf muscle strain.
The team made the decision shortly before returning from Charleston, S.C., on Sunday, where they had played three exhibition games and scrimmaged against a local college in preparation for Saturday’s season opener in Houston. Evans, 31, began experiencing leg problems shortly upon rejoining the squad from a January training stint with the U.S. Men’s National Team.
Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer said the team is sitting Evans now in hopes of having him fully healthy this summer.