Cincinnati star eclipses Messi
FC Cincinnati’s Evander has been named Player of the Month in MLS, after an impressive May that included a historic haul against Orlando.
Major League Soccer has named its Player of the Month for May: FC Cincinnati’s Evander. The Brazilian’s displays were so dominant that he even outshone Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi, who has himself enjoyed a red-hot streak of form.
Evander earns MVP after historic haul
Evander “became the ninth player in MLS history to record at least five goal contributions in a match with a 2g/3a [two goals and three assists] outing in a 6-2 rout of Orlando City”, the league said in a statement on Wednesday. “Of Cincinnati’s 17 goals scored in May, the second-most in the league, Evander contributed to 71% of those.”
Over the course of May, the 27-year-old produced seven goals and five assists, totaling 12 goal contributions - numbers that earned him MVP honors despite Cincinnati’s mid-table position in the Eastern Conference. With 15 games played in the MLS regular season, the Orange and Blue sits seventh, 13 points adrift of leaders Nashville.
Messi magic - and World Cup worry
Meanwhile, Messi, who has led Miami up to second place in the East, recorded five goals and seven assists in MLS this month. Most recently, the Argentina captain set up two goals in the Herons’ 6-4 win over Philadelphia Union on Sunday - a game that saw the veteran limp off with a hamstring injury.
With just three weeks to go until the Argentinians begin their World Cup defense against Algeria on June 16, Messi’s weekend exit set alarm bells ringing in the South American nation. However, Albiceleste head coach Lionel Scaloni has since issued a positive update on the forward’s fitness, telling DSports: “The early news isn’t too bad.”
Related stories
Argentina boss offers Messi injury update
The most Latino USMNT ever - rising in the age of Trump
Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that of this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.