It’s safe to say Evander was one of the few bright spots for the Portland Timbers in the 2023 MLS season. While the team left much to be desired as it finished 10th in the West, the Brazilian midfielder managed to find ways to make an impact on the field.
In his first year in the US, the 25-year-old recorded an impressive nine goals and four assists in 27 league games. That wasn’t enough to take the team to the playoffs and it didn’t prevent Giovanni Savarese from losing his job, but it still gave the Oregon franchise an encouraging sign.
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Evander could be crucial in 2024
In the wake of his remarkable performances this year, the Timbers know they can be a better team if they surround Evander with the right players. In fact, the MLS official website analyzed that building around the Brazilian midfielder can be crucial for Portland to improve its results.
It's that sensational strike for Portland! 🤯
Evander's 70th minute goal is your AT&T 5G Goal of the Matchday winner. #RCTID https://t.co/XuaKXls08q pic.twitter.com/EYJIhJ6NNk
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 7, 2023
“Job No. 1 for them might be figuring out how to maximize Evander’s second season in the Rose City,” MLS Senior Content Producer Jonathan Sigal wrote. “… Now, Evander arguably played better as an attack-minded No. 8 than a pure No. 10. That’s a starting point, but it’s also about determining the midfield mix around him. Does Diego Chará continue to defy Father Time? Can Eryk Williamson recover from a second ACL tear in two years? Is the transfer drama around Santiago Moreno truly in the rearview? Can Cristhian Paredes replicate his excellent 2023? As answers arrive, Evander is (at least in theory) who Portland’s future is built around.”
The Timbers have hired former Inter Miami head coach Phil Neville to take the reins for next season, so it will be interesting to see how the Englishman maximizes Evander’s talent to challenge for the MLS Cup next time.
Samba Gold 2023: Open voting!
Voting for the Samba Gold Award 2023 is now open. Choose your favorite in the men’s, women’s and under-20 categories!
