Since being named an MLS All-Star this past Wednesday, Cincinnati midfielder Evander has been embracing the role of the club’s offensive leader.
Saturday night, Evander’s second straight game with a brace earned Cincinnati (12-3-5, 39 points) its third straight win on the road, completing an undefeated month of June.
For the second straight match, Cincinnati’s co-leader in MLS regular-season goals found paydirt late in the first half to break a scoreless tie.
In the 45th and fourth extra minute of the first half, he connected on a free kick from the right side with a right-foot shot that found the bottom-right corner of the net.
Evander struck again in the 74th minute, finishing an FC Cincinnati breakaway with a right-footed shot from the center of the box to double their lead to 2-0.
Now with 11 goals on the season, Evander has four in his last two games after earning his second straight All-Star selection.
Orlando City (9-6-5, 33 points) cut the deficit in half to 2-1 on midfielder Marco Pasalic’s 87th-minute goal. It was the Lions’ 15th shot of the game and third on goal, and they got on the board after more than 500 total passes.
Play was intense in the first half, with officials handing out three total yellow cards. Two of those cards went to Cincinnati’s DeAndre Yedlin and Gilberto Flores, while the other went to Orlando’s Marco Pasalic.
The play on the pitch was intense, and so was the sweltering heat. Play was stopped during an Orlando 70th-minute substitution for players, including Cincinnati goalkeeper Roman Celentano, to get hydrated and stretch out any cramping.
Celentano made two saves against his one goal allowed for Cincinnati.
Orlando goalkeeper Pedro Gallese made two saves against his two goals allowed.
Cincinnati returns home for three straight home matches, starting Saturday, July 5 against the Chicago Fire.
Orlando is on the road next Saturday night at Charlotte FC.
–Field Level Media
