When Evander fired an attempt from deep outside of the box in the 33rd minute of FC Cincinnati’s Saturday, June 28 match against Orlando City SC, the Orange and Blue had failed to create much in the attack.
Still, that shot, which had an expected goals of just 0.02, was powerful enough to force Orlando City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese to push it aside instead of grabbing it. And while the strike didn’t hit the back of the net, it might have been a warning from the All-Star midfielder, who’s heroics lifted a rotated FC Cincinnati group to a 2-1 victory on the road against Orlando City to close a two-match week.
Evander is FC Cincinnati’s hero again
Just before halftime, Evander put the Orange and Blue ahead 1-0 when he caught Lions goalkeeper Gallese in an awkward spot to score a long-distance free kick.
Later, the Brazilian utilized a skill move to create space in transition and tucked a shot into the bottom-corner of the net to score his second brace of the week and 11th goal of the season, tying forward Kévin Denkey, who assisted him, for the team lead.
“He’s a special player – you saw it on the free kick” coach Pat Noonan said of Evander. “He’s just doing things that others can’t do.”
But as FC Cincinnati defended its lead in the 87th minute, it allowed a late goal for the second straight game after a deflection led to a chance for Orlando City’s Marco Pašalić.
Still, the Orange and Blue managed to hold onto their narrow advantage despite 10 minutes of stoppage time and a barrage of Lions chances – totaling 1.65 xG in the second half, per FotMob.
Noonan praised the entire backline, noting the play of defender Matt Miazga, who made nine clearances and two blocks.
“He’s looking like himself again,” Noonan said of the 2023 MLS Defender of the Year. “He was making plays in the box with very little left in the tank that show the level that he provides, as far as reading the game and making plays that make a difference.”
FC Cincinnati’s rotated lineup hangs onto lead
Playing their second match of the week, FC Cincinnati’s rotated their lineup to replace the unavailable Luca Orellano, Obinna Nwobodo, Sérgio Santos and Yūya Kubo, and Kei Kamara, who began the match on the bench.
Defender Teenage Hadebe, who joined the starting eleven as Lukas Engel moved wide to fill in Orellano’s role, was the match’s most accurate passer among players who played 45 minutes or more, according to FotMob. Noonan said he came off in the 83rd minute due to cramping and “potentially roll(ing) his ankle.”
“I thought Teenage was strong tonight, Noonan said. “He had a couple performances prior to this start where he wasn’t himself, and tonight he looked like himself.”
Gerardo “Dado” Valenzuela, who started in place of Kamara up top, drew a game-leading five fouls before being taken off for the final half hour. Many of those came during a chippy first half that included a combined 15 infractions.
When Kamara eventually came on, the veteran found a couple of quality looks early, but his offensive role became less vital as FC Cincinnati dropped back to protect its two goal lead.
“We are not making selections with our starting 11 because guys know how to draw fouls,” Noonan said of the possibly playing Valenzuela longer. “Dado did a good job, and then Kei comes in, and then there’s the other side of hold up play, in a physical presence, where it’s more challenging for the opponent because of what Kei provides.”
FC Cincinnati maintained its second place position in the Eastern Conference after closing an undefeated June of three matches, claiming a vital victory against the Lions, who are also around the tightly-packed top of the division.
“I like the way we’re managing games – I think that part is improved” Noonan said of the team’s last three performances. “I still think if we want to look more connected, I’ll continue to harp on being better with the ball.”
The Orange and Blue will return home for the first time since May on July 5th for a match against Chicago Fire FC.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Evander’s heroics vital as rotated FC Cincinnati beats Orlando City SC
Reporting by Kamran Nia, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
