Part two of a seven part FanPost series looking at potential Home Grown Player signings on the Portland Timbers U-23s (based on the "[Brent] Richards Rule")

Steven Evans, a rising-junior at the University of Portland, is now in his fourth season with the Portland Timbers U-23s. The Pilots’ midfielder was a member of the Oregon ODP from 2004-08 and a member of Eastside Timbers. Evans has earned respect from national publications like TopDrawerSoccer (TDS) for his success on the pitch at the University of Portland, and has also received honors and accolades for his play at UP and while in high school at Central Catholic.

Rated by TDS as the No. 2 player in the West Coast Conference and No. 57 player in Division One soccer. (TDS rated Evans after just two years of college, ahead of Columbus Crew HGP Ben Speas and Real Salt Lake’s first round SuperDraft pick Enzo Martinez, both who had completed their junior seasons at North Carolina).

Before even setting foot on the pitch at Central Catholic, Evans was called into camp by the U.S. Youth National program in 2004. Once at Central Catholic, Evans won a 6A state title in 2007, before taking over a leading role in 2008 for the Rams. During the 2008 season Evans was named to the Mt. Hood Conference First Team and Oregon 6A Second-Team. 2009 saw Evans named the Mt. Hood Conference Player of the Year, a feat which also earned Evans a spot on the All-State First Team.

During the summer of 2010, Evans won both the U.S. Youth Soccer U-18 National Championship with Eastside Timbers and the PDL title with the Portland Timbers U-23s.

The following fall as a freshman at the University of Portland, Evans was named to the WCC All-Freshman Team, All-WCC Second Team and was named WCC Freshman of the Year. College Soccer News placed Evans on its All-Freshman Third Team.

During the winter of 2011, Evans participated in the U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team Camp. In the fall Evans was named to the All-WCC First Team.

In club soccer prior to joining the Pilots, Evans was an Oregon State Champion in 2004, ’05, ’07, ’09 and ’10. Evans’ club side won the regional title in 2010 before winning the national title as well. Clubs that Evans played for won the Surf Cup Championship, Nomads Tournament Championship and twice won the Phoenix President Cup.

Steven Evans
University of Portland
Rising-Junior
Midfielder
Central Catholic High School

College Stats:
2011: 15 Matches, 11 Starts, 6 Goals, 5 Assists, 17 Points, 37 Shots, 18 Shots on Goal
2010: 19 Matches, 18 Starts, 4 Goals, 4 Assists, 12 Points, 55 Shots, 20 Shots on Goal

Note: Since the day Richards was announced as a HGP, I've believed that Steven Evans would be a for sure signee. Assuming he qualifies, Evans is one to keep an eye on.