Playing against his former club for the first time since his MLS-record trade to FC Cincinnati, the All-Star Brazilian midfielder unleashed a beautiful curling strike in the first half — setting off boos from a hostile Providence Park crowd in an eventual 3-2 win for the Orange & Blue.
Evander, who left Portland under less-than-friendly circumstances, gave it right back to the fans, gesturing for them to get even louder by holding his hand to his ear in his goal celebration in front of the Timbers Army.
Difference-maker
Evander played a part in all three of Cincinnati’s first-half goals.
His dummy unlocked space for Kévin Denkey on FCC’s first, and he provided an assist to Pavel Bucha before his 36th-minute golazo, much to the dismay of the Portland faithful.
The 27-year-old continues to stake a compelling case for the Landon Donovan MLS MVP, with 16g/9a.
Evander’s dominant season has helped put FC Cincinnati in the thick of the Eastern Conference race. Saturday's victory over the Timbers moved them into first place in the Eastern Conference, one point ahead of the Philadelphia Union, and they could potentially end Matchday 29 atop the Supporters' Shield standings.
