[MLS] The Sounders have retained three components of their successful 2009 expansion season as they head to Spain for the next phase of preseason preparations.  Colombian defender Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, who played on loan last season from Deportivo Cali, has been transferred to MLS, midfielder Brad Evans – claimed in the 2008 expansion draft after helping Columbus win MLS Cup – has agreed to a contract extension, and the team has agreed to terms on a new contract with defender Tyson Wahl, who was also acquired in the expansion draft.

Hurtado, 25, played 27 games last year, was a Defender of the Year finalist, and earned All-Star selection.

Evans, 24, also played 27 games – all but two as a starter – while scoring three goals and contributing two assists. Wahl’s MLS contract expired at the end of last season, during which he played 12 matches. He started his career with Kansas City in 2006 and played 32 games in three seasons before coming to Seattle.

The club has yet to reach an agreement by which striker Fredy Montero, who scored a team-high 12 goals last year while on loan, is transferred to MLS. Another loan year is among the possibilities; Montero has been with the Sounders since preseason training began two weeks ago and is traveling to Spain with the team.

Evans is in Southern California training with the U.S. national team and didn't accompany his Sounders teammates when they departed Seattle Monday to play in the La Manga Cup. They face Norwegian club Rosenborg BK in their first match Thursday and will play two more matches against opponents to be determined by results.

Coach Sigi Schmid is taking 28 players to Spain. The group includes as non-roster players Michael Fucito, a 2009 Sounders SuperDraft pick who was waived at the end of last season; former MetroStar and Red Bull defender Jeff Parke; and ex-Galaxy midfielder Josh Gardner, who played well during the team’s visit to Arizona which ended last week with a 3-2 win over Vancouver of the new USSF Second Division.

Seattle Sounders roster (preseason Spain trip)
Goalkeepers -- Derby Carillo, Chris Eylander, Kasey Keller, Patrick Lane.

Defenders -- Taylor Graham, Leo Gonzalez, Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Patrick Ianni, Tyrone Marshall, Jeff Parke, James Riley, Zach Scott, Nathan Sturgis, Tyson Wahl, Jamel Wallace.

Midfielders -- Osvaldo Alonso, Michael Fucito, Josh Gardner, Stephen King, Freddie Ljungberg, Lamar Neagle, Sanna Nyassi, Peter Vagenas.

Forwards -- David Estrada, Roger Levesque, Fredy Montero, Tye Perdido, Steve Zakuani.
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