FC Cincinnati midfielder Evander and defender Miles Robinson were selected Wednesday to the 26-player roster for the 2025 MLS All-Star Game.
Evander was chosen by fans, players and media voting, while Robinson was picked by MLS All-Star team coach Nico Estévez. The duo’s selections marked the Orange and Blue’s fourth straight season with multiple All-Stars.
Evander, a Designated Player in his first season with the Orange and Blue, has scored seven goals and logged six assists in 16 appearances.
The Brazilian has outproduced his expected goals total of 3.7, according to American Soccer Analysis, mainly because a league-leading five of his scores have come from outside of the box. Some of those long-distance strikes came on set-pieces, which the Brazilian has utilized to supply equalizers against Nashville SC and Atlanta United FC.
“Feeling really happy,” Evander said on MLS Countdown after the announcement. “Second year in a row coming up for (the) All-Star (Game). (I) feel really proud of myself and thankful. It’s not only me, but it is the team as well.”
Robinson, who has captained the Orange and Blue in nine matches this year, received his second consecutive All-Star nod and third career selection. He ranks tied for eighth with 0.08 goals added per 96 minutes among center backs who have played at least 1,000 minutes, according to American Soccer Analysis.
Kévin Denkey not selected to MLS All-Star game
FC Cincinnati also campaigned on social media for other players, including forward Kévin Denkey. However, the Togolese forward wasn’t selected among the nine attacking players despite being third in MLS with 11 goals.
When Noonan was asked about Denkey on Monday, he praised the forward’s consistency in goal scoring, developments in hold-up play and advancements in his movement inside the box. But he noted he was unaware of outside perceptions regarding the Togolese forward in relation to All-Star voting.
“I’m pleased with where Kevin’s at in the moment, as far as production, and I like the fact that he’s consistently looking to get better, and continuing to improve his relationships with his teammates, so that our group improves,” Noonan said Monday.
“We’re happy with him, and hopefully he, or others, are rewarded for their good play, if it would make sense for them to be in the All-Star conversation.”
The All-Star Game is on July 23, when the MLS side will face Mexico’s Liga MX All-Star team at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: FC Cincinnati’s Evander and Miles Robinson selected to 2025 MLS All-Star Game
Reporting by Kamran Nia, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
