Last Monday, all-MAAC first team midfielder Kyle Evans announced he was leaving Marist after three seasons, intending to sign a professional contract.
Evans, who just finished a remarkable junior season, announced his decision on TikTok, where he intends to document his journey.
“The goal full-time was to sign pro after [Marist],” said Evans about his plans.
Before coming to Marist at just 17 years old, Evans spent seven years at the New York Red Bulls Academy, even making it into the MLS side’s second team.
In his junior season, Evans scored seven times, a team-high, and tallied four assists.. He led Marist in points and earned a selection to the all-MAAC first team. Now, at 20 years old, Evans is trying to go to the next level.
“I’m 20, which is a good age to start getting looks.” I’m ready to finally achieve my dream of signing that contract.”
Kyle Evans
Having left Marist upon the conclusion of the fall semester, Evans is now going to train full-time to get offers from professional clubs at any level. He says he does not have a preference now but wants to get to the highest level possible.
Before this fall season, Evans had a strong summer with the Hudson Valley Hammers, a team in the USL League Two, the fourth division of American soccer. Evans scored three times and added one assist in nine games, accumulating over 700 minutes of game time. His side also made the playoffs but lost on the road to eventual champions, Vermont Green FC.
“When the opportunity came, to stay or to go, it came down to me wanting to play at the next level,” said Evans.
When asked about potential critics of his decision — who may argue that leaving your team after a strong year to not even have a guarantee of a contract is the wrong decision— Evans was unfazed.
“My best friends are on that team. I respect [head coach Matt] Viggiano and my team,” said Evans. “The decision came down to me wanting to get to that next level.”
The decision to leave college to try to pursue a professional contract is not unheard of in college soccer, but it is not common. Players will usually declare for the annual MLS draft if they have not signed a contract. This year, the deadline to declare is December 18th.
“I’m open to it, I know it’s broad, but right now, I’m exploring every possible option,” he said.
This decision comes after a season for Marist in which the Red Foxes climbed to 17th-ranked in the country; however, they finished 8-4-4, missing the playoffs.
Evans, now moving on, is looking to use a summer and fall of success to work his way into a professional contract.
Evans broke his ankle in the spring of his freshman year and has previously suffered concussions and leg injuries. Since coming back from the ankle injury two years ago, Evans parlayed a solid sophomore year into a good junior year and is looking to keep his form and remain healthy.
In addition to the all-MAAC selection, Evans and teammate sophomore striker Chris Verheul earned NCAA All-East Region honors.
There is, of course, an element of self-doubt.
“There’s always a little bit [of doubt] … You’ve got to bet on yourself a little bit, no matter what you do.” If I stayed at Marist, I would have to bet on myself to have a great year next year.”
kyle evans
Evans posted his decision on TikTok, on his account @KyleFooty, which has over 15,000 followers. In that video, he said he will be documenting his journey and process.
“It’s kind of a side thing right now, but it would be great to get it going,” said Evans. “A lot of people have been in situations like mine, so I’m hoping to inspire.”
Evans does not have any official deal yet, and was not included in the list of players eligible to be selected in the MLS SuperDraft.
Edited by Nate Shoemaker and Mike Schiavone
Graphic by Isabel Cortese
Photo by Cassidy Connors