Evander scored a spectacular goal and added an assist as FC Cincinnati took a major step toward clinching a postseason berth with a 2-0 win over D.C. United, Saturday in Washington.
Tom Barlow also tallied as Cincinnati (11-11-9, 42 points) topped D.C. (7-12-12, 33 points) for the second time in four days. The scheduling quirk resulted from the postponement due to inclement weather of a match between the teams originally slated for Sept. 5.
Roman Celentano had two routine saves for FC Cincinnati, who had struggled before their back-to-back wins over D.C., capturing just one of their previous nine matches (1-5-3).
The clean sheet for Celantano was his third this season and first since April 25 against Red Bull New York. Cincinnati entered Saturday having surrendered more goals (71) than any side in the Eastern Conference.
Sean Johnson had one save for D.C. United, who have won just two of their last 14 matches (2-7-5), dropping below the postseason cutoff after spending much of the season above it in the MLS East.
D.C. United have three matches left, each against teams that are just ahead of them in the MLS East standings.
D.C. has failed to make the postseason for six straight years, the longest current drought in MLS, while Cincinnati has reached the playoffs the last four seasons.
In a static first half, neither team’s goalkeeper was called on to make a save in the first 25 minutes. Then in the 35th minute, Evander struck with a remarkable shot.
With the D.C. defense giving him time and space as he dribbled beyond the penalty arc, Evander stepped into a right-footed blast from 23 yards out.
The sudden shot froze Johnson as it went into the top left corner, giving Cincinnati a 1-0 lead.
It was the first goal for Evander since Aug. 22. In the seven games in which he failed to score, Evander had taken 19 unsuccessful shots. Cincinnati went 1-5-1 in those matches.
In the 52nd minute, Cincinnati increased its lead on a counterattack. As Evander dribbled down the left side, he waited for Barlow to make his break into the right side of the box.
After a one-touch of Evander’s cross, Barlow scored with a right-footed strike which reached the top right corner for his 10th goal of the season.
Evander now has 14 goals and 15 assists.
–Field Level Media
