Evander Earns Player of the Matchday After Back-to-Back Braces for FC Cincinnati

Evander Shines Again as Cincinnati Climbs the Table

Evander is heating up — and so are FC Cincinnati’s Supporters’ Shield hopes.

The Brazilian midfielder was named MLS Player of the Matchday for Matchday 21 after a dazzling two-goal performance that powered FC Cincinnati to a 2-1 road win over Orlando City SC. His latest outing marked back-to-back braces and cemented his status as one of the league’s most dynamic forces in 2025.

A Free Kick Masterclass

Evander opened the scoring at Inter&Co Stadium with a clever, curling free kick that left the keeper rooted — a moment of brilliance that set the tone for the match. His second goal proved the match-winner, securing Cincinnati’s third straight victory and pushing them within one point of league-leading Philadelphia.

Record-Breaking Numbers

The 27-year-old, who arrived in a league-record trade from Portland this past offseason, now boasts 11 goals and 7 assists — third-most combined goal contributions in MLS. Saturday’s brace came just days after another two-goal outing against CF Montréal, marking the first time in his MLS career he’s notched braces in back-to-back games.

And the milestones keep stacking up:

• First MLS player to hit 25 goals and 25 assists since the start of the 2024 season

• Three-time Player of the Matchday honoree

• Cincinnati’s first recipient of the award since Luca Orellano (Matchday 30, 2024)

A Midfield Maestro with Momentum

Evander’s arrival has completely transformed Cincinnati’s midfield, giving the Orange & Blue a creative edge that’s helped spark their recent surge. With All-Star status locked in and his confidence peaking, he’s quickly becoming the focal point in Cincy’s title push.

“Regardless of where I play, I always want to make a difference. That’s what I’m here to do,” Evander said after the match.

Next Up: Home Clash With Chicago

FC Cincinnati returns to TQL Stadium this Saturday to host the Chicago Fire in a crucial Eastern Conference showdown (7:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass). With the top spot in the Supporters’ Shield race within touching distance, all eyes will once again be on No. 10.

The MLS Player of the Matchday presented by Michelob Ultra is selected weekly via a 75% vote from North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) and a 25% Instagram fan vote.

Will Evander make it three braces in a row? We’ll find out on Saturday.