CINCINNATI — FC Cincinnati midfielder Evander has joined Lionel Messi in the MLS record books, becoming just the second player in league history to record at least 15 assists in three consecutive seasons.
The Brazilian reached the milestone during Saturday's 2-0 victory over D.C. United at Audi Field, scoring once and assisting on another goal as Cincinnati collected three important points in its push for a playoff berth.
Evander opened the scoring in the 35th minute with a powerful right-footed strike from outside the penalty area. It was his first goal since August 22 and his 14th of the season, giving Cincinnati a 1-0 halftime lead.
He then helped put the match away in the 52nd minute, delivering a pass to Tom Barlow, who finished from close range to double the advantage. The assist was Evander's 15th of the season and placed him alongside Messi, who became the first player to accomplish the three-year feat just one week earlier.
"That's Evander being Evander," Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan said following the performance.
The goal and assist brought Evander's season total to 29 goal contributions and marked his 20th match with multiple goal contributions in a Cincinnati uniform. His performance also earned him a spot on the MLS Team of the Matchday for the fifth time this season.
Evander's individual accomplishments have come at a critical point for Cincinnati. The Orange and Blue have won consecutive matches against D.C. United, collecting six points in four days to strengthen their playoff position.
Cincinnati enters Wednesday's match at Inter Miami in eighth place in the Eastern Conference with 42 points, three ahead of the New York Red Bulls and four ahead of the Columbus Crew.
A victory over Miami, combined with a Columbus loss at FC Dallas, would secure Cincinnati a playoff berth. With just three regular-season matches remaining, Evander's continued production could be the difference between extending the season and missing the postseason.
And speaking of Messi, Cincinnati hosts the legendary player on Wednesday, giving the two players who now share a place in MLS history an opportunity to face each other with playoff implications on the line.
