Evans undergoing MRI for injured shoulder
The Sounders went through a short and light session today at Starfire, regenerating after their 1-0 MLS season-opening loss to Sporting Kansas City on Sunday.
Coach Sigi Schmid said that central defender Brad Evans would undergo an MRI today after taking a tumble on his left shoulder against SKC. He also said that Tyrone Mears and Erik Friberg -- who missed the opener due to a quad strain and while undergoing concussion protocol, respectively -- have made progress. However, there was no promise of their availability Saturday when the Sounders return to action at Real Salt Lake.
Meanwhile, right back Oniel Fisher -- who started in place of Mears -- seemed to have no real complaint with the red card that sent him out of the match in the 42nd minute for a dangerous tackle. He said he thought he played well until then -- and Schmid agreed.
Here more directly from each:
SCHMID
On Cristian Roldan: I thought he did all right. We felt all through preseason that he played well, and that he’s shown the kind of capabilities to step onto the field. We’re very comfortable with him and the field, and we’re happy to have him. Ozzie and him I thought were a good combination. Obviously the more time people get together the better understanding they have. Sometimes we needed to get him to push a little higher, but sometimes your first game this season – you’re a young guy, maybe you’re a little more cautious.
On the injuries: Evans will have an MRI this afternoon, so we’ll have a better idea there. Tyrone Mears is coming along as well. We want him to still come along easy today and obviously tomorrow. And Erik Friberg took the next step in his concussion protocol, so it’s the trainers who will tell me when he’s back in, but if there are no setbacks there’s a chance he’ll be back in by Wednesday or Thursday.
On the first MLS weekend: It’s early days. Chicago against New York I guess could have been about 9-8 or something. Those are things – teams taking light goals, comebacks that are being made, guys like McGee seems obviously to play better in LA than he did in Chicago.
FISHER
On the red: I just went in for a tackle. I thought I lunged in two-footed tackle. The ref make his decision, and that’s just what it was. … That’s his decision. At the end of the day he made his decision.
On the start and his performance: I knew I was going to start. I thought I did fairly well up until the red card, obviously. I did good so for until the 42nd minute.
On his year so far: I’m in a good situation right now. I’m doing well in practice. Coaches have given me good feedback about how I’m doing so far. It’s all positive right now. I’m just looking to work hard and see how I can help the team in whatever way I can.
The Sounders will be off Wednesday, return to training on Thursday and travel Friday for their 1 p.m. Saturday match at Real Salt Lake.
Don Ruiz: 253-597-8808, @donruiztnt
This story was originally published March 7, 2016 at 1:15 PM with the headline "Evans undergoing MRI for injured shoulder."