Evander Thrives as the Bad Guy, Delivers Explosive Performance in Triumphant Portland Homecoming
Evander was determined to make a statement against the Portland Timbers.
Returning to Providence Park following his $12 million departure before the season began, the FC Cincinnati star demonstrated his MLS MVP candidate credentials by netting a goal and providing an assist in Cincinnati's thrilling 3–2 triumph.
Despite facing boos and hostile gestures from supporters, he welcomed the antagonist role and reminded them of what the organization sacrificed when they failed to satisfy his contract requirements during the offseason.
Previously, Timbers general manager Ned Grabavoy labeled the Brazilian as "selfish" with "poor judgment"—criticism the 27-year-old channeled into his display and goal celebrations before the renowned Timbers Army supporter sections.
"I wasn't anticipating applause, but I believe the reaction was somewhat excessive," Evander commented regarding the unwelcoming atmosphere. "I remained concentrated on representing Cincinnati since that's my current team and securing the victory."
Throughout the competitive match, he demonstrated no lingering affection for his previous organization, where he recorded 24 goals and 24 assists across 55 regular-season appearances.
"I gave everything to the squad during my time here and for the supporters. I always tried my hardest when on the field," he continued. "I also feel disappointed that things concluded this way, but I'm now with Cincinnati, and I represent them."
Initially, Evander served as a distraction to enable Kévin Denkey, who rejoined the starting eleven following injury recovery, to net his 13th goal of the campaign. He subsequently assisted Pavel Bucha before delivering the decisive long-range strike himself.
His contributions elevated him to 16 goals and nine assists this season, placing him third among all MLS players, behind only Inter Miami's Lionel Messi and San Diego FC's Anders Dreyer—contenders for the 2025 Landon Donovan MLS MVP Award.
"Evander has maintained his consistent excellence throughout the year," head coach Pat Noonan stated. "He's a game-changer, and when we need to close out matches, he contributes defensively to help secure results."
Focus on the Supporters' Shield
Nevertheless, the broader objective remains Cincinnati's primary concern. Despite Evander's exceptional continued performance, the victory proved crucial for the club's aspirations of claiming a second Supporters' Shield in three seasons, as they climbed to Eastern Conference leadership with 52 points and seven fixtures remaining.
Following Matchday 29, nine clubs sit within seven points of the Supporters' Shield summit, though Miami maintains advantage in points-percentage, having contested three fewer matches than Cincinnati.
"It's positive pressure. The squad recognizes this, I've mentioned throughout this journey, whether we led or fell behind, this pattern will continue until the end," Noonan stated, as Cincinnati focuses on their final seven games, including a crucial Supporters' Shield encounter against Philadelphia Union on Aug. 30.
"Numerous strong clubs are competing for the Supporters' Shield. The differences are minimal."