Sporting KC signs veteran defender/midfielder Brad Evans

Sporting Kansas City added veteran leadership to the club Tuesday in the form of Brad Evans, a 32-year-old defender/midfielder with 11 MLS seasons under his belt.

Evans, a two-time MLS Cup champion, signed a one-year free agent contract with Sporting KC, the team announced Tuesday. The contract includes an option for 2019.

Evans has produced 28 goals and 31 assists in 255 MLS matches (including playoffs) since 2007. He spent the last nine seasons with Seattle Sounders FC, where he won four Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup championships and the 2016 MLS Cup. He lifted his first MLS Cup in 2008 with Columbus Crew SC.

Evans also has made 27 appearances for the U.S. Men's National Team. He competed at the 2009 and 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cups and started five matches during the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying cycle.

"With his mentality and work ethic, we know what he can bring to Sporting KC, and for us to add a player with such high character and experience is an incredible opportunity," Sporting KC manager Peter Vermes said in a team press release. "We are excited for him to be a part of our locker room."

Columbus Crew SC selected Evans 15th overall in the 2007 MLS SuperDraft out of UC Irvine. After two seasons with the club, he went to Seattle in the 2009 MLS expansion draft. The Sounders went to the playoffs in each of his nine seasons in Seattle. He played primarily as a midfielder before becoming a full-time defender in 2015.

Evans' goal in a penalty shootout helped lift the Sounders to the 2016 MLS Cup championship.

"I am thrilled for the opportunity to join Sporting Kansas City and help the club pursue championships," Evans said in the release. "This is an exciting new chapter in my career and I can't wait to play in front of an amazing fan base at Children's Mercy Park."