The Seattle Sounders' preseason roster got just a little bit lighter as they got ready to take off for Florida and Mexico. Although the Sounders didn't officially release an updated roster, Joshua Mayers of the Seattle Times has managed to piece one together:

Goalkeepers (5): Chris Blais*, Josh Ford, Michael Gspurning, Bryan Meredith, Andrew Weber*

Defenders (10): Marc Burch, Andrew Duran#, Leo Gonzalez, Harlinton Gutierres*, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Patrick Ianni, Adam Johansson, Jeff Parke, Zach Scott, Michael Tetteh

Midfielders (13): Osvaldo Alonso, Servando Carrasco, Alex Caskey*, Cordell Cato, Brad Evans, Alvaro Fernandez, Lamar Neagle, Mauro Rosales, Andy Rose^, Amadou Sanyang, Michael Seamon, Christian Sivebaek, Steve Zakuani

Forwards (7): David Estrada, Mike Fucito, Roger Levesque, Fredy Montero, Sammy Ochoa, Babayele Soldade#, O'Brian White

* -- trialist/invitee, # -- unsigned draft pick, ^ -- acquired on draft day trade, underline -- recovering from injury with uncertain timeline

Still not a whole lot of surprises at this point.

Sigi Schmid's Seattle Sounders FC took the pitch in anger for the first time. While it may only be preseason anger, the number of cards (10 yellow, 1 red) and the puncture wound on Mike Fucito indicate that emotions were high and form was off. While the game ended with both the Vancouver Whitecaps and Sounders netting just one goal apiece, the point of these matches is not to win, but to prepare to win meaningful games.

A few weeks ago while watching the MLS Player Combine I was struck by a strange realization; what happens in the Seattle Sounders FO is a spectator sport and that for me it is one of my favorite aspects of the game.

The internet broadcasts for the Combine were sponsored by a video game called Football Manager 2012 by Sega.

A year ago, the Seattle Sounders opened their season on March 15. This year, they will essentially do so eight days earlier. On paper that might not seem like a huge difference.

But unlike last year when they opened against a LA Galaxy team that was in the same stage of its season, the Sounders' first opponent will be Santos Laguna, a Mexican Primera side that will have already played nine matches.

Even after bidding farewell to five players, the Seattle Sounders' list 39 players as participating in training camp as the team begins activities in Casa Grande, Ariz. The five players who didn't make the trip were Sounders academy product Darwin Jones, University of Washington product Abdul Aman, goalkeeper Tyrel Lacy, invitee Jonathan Prieto and an unnamed trialist.

Anyone who reads this site and is on Twitter probably knows that Brad Evans is probably the Seattle Sounders top personality there. Not only does he interact with fans, he's also quite funny. On Monday, he decided to "interview" new roommate Michael Gspurning.

Evans solicited his followers for questions to ask his new teammate.

In all the hoopla surrounding the Seattle Sounders offseason moves, there has been one player that seems to have flown under the radar more than any other: Servando Carrasco. During the midfielder's rookie season, he became better known for the person he was dating than anything he did on the field.

The US "Camp Cupcake" roster closed out their camp down in Panama today with a 1-0 win thanks to a goal by Sporting KC midfielder, Graham Zusi. Like the game on Saturday against Venezuela, both Zusi and Teal Bunbury started for the United States, while CJ Sapong found himself starting on the bench. The US got a good start, as Zusi finished off a chance in the 8th minute to give the US a 1-0 lead.

The United States is running out of chances to find some solid form before World Cup qualifying starts in summer. Tonight, they take on a Panamanian team they really should beat and they will be returning to the 4-4-2 that Jurgen Klinsmann has seemed so intent on doing away with. Chris Wondolowski will start alongside Teal Bunbury at forward.

The January friendlies are usually for the hardest of die hards. Being held outside of a FIFA sanctioned window means that player pool is reduced for both sides, and tonight's game isn't against the highest profile of opponents. Venezuela is decent, currently ranked 31st and slightly ahead of the United States by ESPN's Soccer Power Index.

Jermaine Jones laying a pass back

Heath Pearce looking to get forward

Amobi Okugo holds off Jeff Larentowicz

Zarek Valentin setting up a pass

Sebastian Lletget with Brad Evans in pursuit

BY ADAM SERRANO

CARSON, Calif. – In a match that was much closer than the last time these teams met, the U.S. Under-23 national team battled to a hard fought 1-1 draw against the U.S. national team on Tuesday evening at the Home Depot Center Complex.

Graham Zusi was flying down the flanks throughout the first half
Graham Zusi and Jack McInerney traded sweet strikes as the National Team and the U-23's finished with a 1-1 draw in the second of two scrimmages played here between the teams at The Home Depot Center.

Jared Jeffrey (blue) and Benny Feilhaber (Grey)
On Friday, the full team lined up against the U-23 MNT for the first of two scrimmages while the teams share space at The Home Depot Center. For both groups, it was the first opportunity to play 11 v. 11 since camp began and continue to evaluate players for the upcoming friendlies.

The full team lined up against the U-23 MNT for the first of two scrimmages while the teams share space at The Home Depot Center. For both groups, it was the first opportunity to play 11 v. 11 since camp began and continue to evaluate players for the upcoming friendlies.
"These scrimmages are good for us and the Under-23s, that's why we do it purposely, because it's a big year for U.

Brad Evans Comes Home For USMNT Camp, Matches - SB Nation Arizona

Did you know that former Seattle Times Sounders reporter Jose Romero works for SB Nation Arizona? He caught up with Brad Evans about his return home but in Red, White and Blue. Romero is on the hunt to see if Brad's going to be a right back or center mid with the team.

Brad Evans was certainly a hit at Friday night's Q&A session at Official U.S. Soccer Bar Tim Finnegan's Irish Pub, answering questions and sharing stories for more than an hour about rising from a club player in Arizona to the U.S. National Team.
The local fans were particularly interested in his thoughts about player development in the state and how more kids can reach the elite levels in the sport.

Sun streams in through previously hidden windows of the Sigi Bunker. Blackout by Breathe Carolina is on repeat through the room's surround sound speakers at a slightly uncomfortable level of volume. Fake Sigi whistles as he adjusts knobs and polishes various pieces of equipment. Chris Henderson walks in, briefly stunned by the amount of sunlight and music.

Phoenix native Brad Evans will be at Tim Finnegan's Irish Pub on Friday night
U.S. Men's National Team midfielder Brad Evans is experienceing quite the whirlwind this week, returning to his native Phoenix on Wednesday after receiving the call from Jurgen Klinsmann to join the January Camp.

Remember when Brad Evans was essentially the eleventh man I put out because I didn't have anyone else the vital cog in my last league champion team? Juergen Klinsmann did, or at least he did when I called him up on the phone and reminded him. So now Brad is going to help the USMNT take the next step (cf.

Photo: Earl Gardner

Philadelphia Union

MLS is scheduled to release the 2012 schedule today at 2pm. We'll post the Union schedule as soon as it is available.

Who will the Union play in their home opener? After using some logic based on what schedule details are already known (the Union open the season at Portland on March 12, play in Chicago on March 24, play in Toronto on May 26 and September 15 while playing host to Toronto on July 7), The Goalkeeper writes, "I would not be surprised if it is against the New York Red Bulls, the Houston Dynamo or David Beckham's Los Angeles Galaxy.

It's no surprise with so many talented players having come through the U.S. system that there would be a lot of guys who have shared the same field together and then separated as their careers progressed. Well, it's reunion time here in Phoenix, and a review of the roster reveals several players who have won national championships together, MLS Cup titles, U.

After the lengthy wait to have their chance to impress U.S. men's national team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, it appears George John and Omar Gonzalez will have to wait a bit longer.

Both John and Gonzalez have left national team camp in Arizona to attend to potential winter moves. John has left the country to pursue a potential transfer while Gonzalez is mulling over loan opportunities.

With camp just starting in Phoenix, United States National Team coach has brought in Seattle players Brad Evans and Jeff Parke to replace the LA Galaxy's Omar Gonzalez and FC Dallas's George John. Gonzalez and John have been allowed to leave camp to "deal with club-related matters" according to a press release from US Soccer.

What started as a rumor on the ECS message board can now be confirmed: Brad Evans has been called into the United States national team camp as they prepare for games against Venezuela and Panama later this month. The source was of the confidential variety, but I can assure you that it's highly reliable and is someone who is in position to know.

Sigi Schmid refers to his central midfielders as the engine room. Whether these players are glamorous playmakers, defensive stalwarts or a box-to-box man who gets ignored or pilloried by fans these are players who make or break seasons. For Seattle Sounders FC the center includes a player who many will claim is their best, the Honey Badger.

Adam Johansson was officially introduced to the Seattle media on Friday. Joining him on the call was Seattle Sounders Technical Director Chris Henderson. Depending on how you chose to interpret Henderson's comments and some recent developments, the Sounders are either very close to a finished product or merely just starting to round into shape.

The young Swedish midfielder is on his way to Swedish club Malmo FF after a one year stay with the Seattle Sounders. Per league policy terms were not disclosed, but the word "transfer" reveals an interesting nugget. Adrian Hanauer did exercise that option and then orchestrated a move. This not only opens cap space, a roster slot and an international slot, but may involve more allocation.

It is a good problem to have, namely more starting-calibre talent than starting spots, and this is the problem that the Sounders already appear to have in their crowded midfield for 2012.

With Mauro Rosales, Alvaro Fernandez, and Osvaldo Alonso all seeming to be virtual locks in any "best XI", Lamar Neagle, Erik Friberg, and Brad Evans all having proven themselves capable of starting a match, and Steve Zakuani looking to recover from his horrific injury last April and re-join the fray, it becomes pretty clear that the 2012 Sounders already have a logjam of talent at midfield.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Move to the front page for the sake of discussion on this rather dull weekend. - Jeremiah

Very simple question: who will replace Kasey Keller as captain of the Sounders this season?

Some thought it might be Riley: it clearly won't now. I've included some likely possibilities, as well as an 'other' option.

Brad Evans Is A Fashionable Man, Digs Masks

This here is ample meme fodder.

Undoubtedly, expansion is an exciting time for MLS fans, as it allows them to see and experience a "new" market, a new potential rival, and the possibility of the next great soccer city. With the success of recent expansion clubs ...
Visit http://www.majorleaguesoccertalk.com for the rest of the story.

In SB Nation's Mock Montreal Impact Expansion Draft I was asked to predict what the Seattle Sounders would do. My thoughts change on a daily basis, but of the main questions I had them protecting both Brad Evans and Erik Friberg. Which leaves two of the three young goal scorers available. The mock GM picked Mike Fucito.

If there is one thing learned in 2011 it is that the Seattle Sounders staff knows how to find and utilize midfielders. From a defensive midfielder who grew into more, to MVP quality play from a minimum salary player who bought into the phrase "trust us" the team is stacked with talent in central third.

Brad Evans could be that one Sounder that will be picked by Montreal. (Getty Images)

Over the last few weeks I've gone through each of the 18 Major League Soccer clubs and put out the list of players I could see them protecting and not protecting. Many of you have emailed, tweeted, sent messages on Facebook to let me know you've enjoyed these lists and that you want a mock draft from these lists.

Sources exclusive to Fake Sigi have revealed that the new Sounders jersey that was revealed online yesterday will only be the first step in a radical new makeover of the team's look for 2012. It is being said that, while not 100% final, Seattle players will wear clown makeup as part of their third uniform for 2012.

Dave: Bumped to front page for general awesomeness. Though I've disagreed with the author on this subject our conclusions are the same.

On several recent occasions in SounderAtHeart comment threads I have found myself buried in discussions over the relative passing abilities of Brad Evans and Erik Friberg.

By Kirsten Schlewitz / Senior West Coast Beer and Aston Villa Correspondent
Sorry guys, but I refuse to give up my standing whisky atthe dive bar date in order to wait until Houston Dynamo – Philadelphia Unionand Los Angeles Galaxy – New York Red Bulls are finished and I can give you adecent recommendation for the MLS semi-finals.

Seattle stands to lose an important player in the expansion draft. (Getty Images)

I don't think many folks expected to see this list so soon. With the Seattle Sounders exiting the playoffs last night after there 3-2 (on aggregate) loss to Real Salt Lake, the list had to be made. Boy, Montreal has to make the most of this too as the Sounders stand to lose one quality player.

When a perfect game was needed, the Seattle Sounders merely put forth a great game. Saturday's first leg carried over only one element, the physicality. For the most part it was matched, but in the end Real Salt Lake advanced from the two leg aggregate series. Two goals were not enough, two goals were enough for a win and honor.