Foot & Soccer Soccer Match Reports, Football News
The 2024 MLS season has been transformative for the Portland Timbers and their Brazilian maestro, Evander.
Beneath first-year head coach Phil Neville, the Timbers ended their playoff drought, reaching the postseason for the primary time since 2021. Their resurgence was fueled by an explosive offense that stood out in a league boasting high skills like Lionel Messi with Inter Miami, Luciano Acosta with FC Cincinnati, Cucho Hernández with Columbus Crew, and Riqui Puig with the LA Galaxy.
On the coronary heart of all of it was Evander, the group’s centerpiece, whose exceptional performances earned him a spot among the many Landon Donovan MLS MVP candidates. Evander delivered an astounding 33 objective contributions—15 objectives and 18 assists—cementing his standing as one of many league’s most dynamic gamers.
Nonetheless, nicely earlier than his transfer to North America, Evander loved rising up across the vibrant tradition of Brazilian soccer.
“As a child, I used to observe Ronaldinho loads,” he shared. “He was the quantity 10, dribbling loads, scoring some good objectives, making the sport really feel extra gratifying, and likewise performing some magic—like my fashion of play.”
Ronaldinho’s affect is clear in Evander’s recreation, characterised by aptitude, creativity, and a mind for the spectacular. “When you have the standard to do it, it’s important to do it,” he stated, emphasizing his perception within the artistry of soccer—a philosophy that aligns with the Brazilian custom of enjoying with pleasure and fervour.
At simply 12-years-old, Evander had the once-in-a-lifetime alternative to satisfy his idol, Ronaldinho. His uncle, who labored for the legendary playmaker, launched the 2. The encounter was temporary however unforgettable.
“That was loopy,” Evander recalled. “We took an image in the course of the home, after which I simply went again exterior to play soccer with my mates.”
Years later, Evander’s uncle secured him the possibility to play in a charity match alongside Ronaldinho. Whereas his membership, Midtjylland, finally didn’t permit him to take part, the expertise stays a cherished spotlight. “The chance might be there [once more]. I simply should get it,” he stated with optimism.
Evander’s skilled journey started at Vasco da Gama, a membership he joined as a younger boy and represented for 11 years. His time there was foundational, shaping each his recreation and his aggressive nature.
“After 11 years, you turn out to be an expert participant for a similar membership. There may be some form of historical past, some form of drive for every thing,” he defined. “I really feel actually happy with the issues the membership has finished for me and likewise the chance they gave me to turn out to be an expert participant for the membership.”
“If you begin enjoying soccer, particularly in Brazil, they already put a variety of strain on you,” he added. “We study there’s no house to be a loser.”
That relentless drive to win grew to become a defining side of his character and his method to the sport.
At Vasco, Evander grew to become the youngest participant within the membership’s historical past to attain twice in a Copa Libertadores match, a milestone that cemented his standing as certainly one of Brazil’s brightest younger skills on the time. These adolescence laid the groundwork for his transition to European soccer, the place he joined Danish aspect Midtjylland earlier than his eventual transfer to MLS.
Along with his success in Portland, Evander is already leaving a long-lasting impression on the Rose Metropolis. However when requested concerning the legacy he hopes to go away, the MVP candidate spoke with ambition and readability.
“I wish to depart an important legacy. I wish to do every thing I can and play in large competitions the place I can attain my full potential,” he stated. “I performed within the Champions League for Midtjylland, however I wish to compete with alternatives to win. I wish to be part of a much bigger membership, win many titles, and be a real winner. On the finish of my profession, I wish to say, ‘I gave every thing, earned these trophies, and left my mark.’ I hope everybody remembers my title.”
Evander’s 2024 season is a testomony to his expertise and willpower. As he continues to shine on the MLS stage, his goals of competing on the highest degree appear nicely inside attain. For now, Portland followers can savor the brilliance of their Brazilian star, realizing he’s pushed by a deep want to make his mark each on and off the sphere.
Probably someday, we might even see Evander and Ronaldinho lastly share the pitch collectively in Portland for a charity match, finishing a full-circle second in Evander’s journey.
