Sounders, Dallas impacted by international comings and goings

TUKWILA, Wash. – Brad Evans has swapped his blue jersey from the United States national men’s soccer team for the rave green of the Seattle Sounders.

But midfielder Marco Pappa has put away his Sounders green for the light blue of the Guatemala national team.

It’s that time of year when Major League Soccer rosters hopscotch around the international calendar. And both MLS sides will be affected today when the Sounders meet FC Dallas at CenturyLink Field.

Pappa departed Seattle at a time when he seemed to be rounding into form. He scored his first two goals of the season at the end of May, and is one off the team lead with five assists.

The Sounders also are expected to be without midfielder Osvaldo Alonso and forward Chad Barrett due to hamstring injuries. Forward Obafemi Martins is likely to play, although his minutes could be limited after undergoing nose surgery last week.

Evans’ role also is questionable after playing 45 minutes in the U.S. national team’s 2-1 win over Germany on Wednesday, flying back to the Northwest on Thursday and returning to training on Friday.

Evans said he feels good, and credited the increased comforts of traveling home from national team duty.

“With the U.S. team now when you’re traveling internationally it’s business- or first-(class) so you can lie flat and get some sleep,” he said.

Dallas also will be a mixture of roster additions and subtractions. Five players are listed as away at international duty: Tesho Akindele (Canada), Je-Vaughn Watson (Jamaica), Atiba Harris (St. Kitts and Nevis), Moises Hernandez (Guatemala) and Kellyn Acosta (U.S. U-20s).