FC Cincinnati have hardly been at their best across the opening months of the 2026 MLS season, but the Orange and Blue roared to life thanks to a brilliant night from Evander during their 6-2 drubbing of Orlando City.
The Brazilian metronome was at his familiar best to end the home side’s three-match skid en route to a record-breaking night in the heart of Cincinnati’s attack.
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Evander set up French forward Kenji Mboma Dem for a 42nd-minute equaliser to cancel out MartÃn Ojeda’s opener, before bagging his first of the night in the third minute of stoppage time.
He had more to say in front of home support after the break, too, teeing up Dem to complete his brace after the interval, once again in the wake of an Ojeda strike.
Pat Noonan’s troops would go on to confirm all three points, with Evander putting a postage-stamp his own brace six minutes after Dem’s, only to make it a hat-trick of assists later on when he picked out Kévin Denkey in the box for the Togolese ace to make it 5-2 in the 77th minute.
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A late finish from substitute Tom Barlow would make it 6-2 in the first minute of stoppage time.
It was another electric performance from the Brazilian, three weeks removed from a four-goal contribution outing against Inter Miami that included a hat-trick to down Lionel Messi and company.
While it is unlikely he’ll ever make an appearance for Brazil, Evander’s place among some of the most gifted players to ever feature in MLS is assured.
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