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No-show MLS stars refuse to attend team practice

As players return to team facilities for the start of preseason there are some notable no-shows from Cincinnati, Austin and Portland Timbers.

Luciano Acosta a no-show for Cincinnati
Katie StratmanUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

Most MLS teams kick-started their 2025 preparations earlier this week with the beginning of preseason. The upcoming season will start on February 22, meaning that there’s little over a month for teams to ready themselves for the new year.

There’s been plenty of offseason movement already but some of the biggest stories from MLS relate to those who have not yet moved. Some key players have made clear their desire to leave their clubs during the offseason but haven’t managed to find a landing spot that satisfies both them and their team.

When teams returned to their practice facilities this week there were a few high profile no-shows who refused to attend. FC Cincinnati were without All-Star duo Luciano Acosta and Luca Orellano as both agitated for a move away from MLS. Austin FC captain Sebastián Driussi was also absent for his team, as was Portland Timbers’ 2024 MVP candidate Evander.

Will this help them to push through a move or simply alienated themselves from the club and their teammates? Let’s take a look...

Cincinnati battle to keep Argentinian duo

Both Luciano Acosta and Luca Orellano were key players for Cincy in 2024, providing the only real attacking spark in a team that has become increasingly cautious. Acosta was crowned MVP in 2023 and kept up his incredible levels of production in 2024. Orellano made an instant impact after joining from Vasco de Gama last February, starring as a wing back and more central positions for Pat Noonan’s team.

Both were no-shows for the start of preseason training amid talk of moves away. Acosta made his feelings clear immediately after the playoff loss to NYCFC last November and reiterated his desire to move in an interview with ESPN Argentina in November. He explained, “This was a very recent decision I made to leave, I feel I’ve completed a cycle after four years of playing in Cincinnati.”

Orellano has not made any public declaration on his own situation but reports in Mexico claimed that the 24-year-old has been the subject of interest from Cruz Azul. The Liga MX club would likely offer a significant increase on his non-DP salary in Cincinnati and Orellano looks eager to take the chance. For their part, the club has insisted that the player is not for sale and that he is considered a key piece for Noonan going forward.

Having already lost Brandon Vazquez and Aaron Boupendza in the past 12 months Cincy’s attacking depth is greatly diminished. The arrival of Kevin Dunkey on a league-record $16.2 million deal adds a new dimension but Noonan will want to avoid further upheaval.

Stars go AWOL in Austin and Portland

Cincinnati are not the only team struggling with absentees in preseason. Austin FC captain Sebastián Driussi and Timbers forward Evander were both no-shows after making clear their desire to move away.

Argentinian playmaker Driussi joined Austin in 2021 and was a transformational addition for the young club, scoring 25 goals in his first full season. His output has dropped off in recent years and he appears to have had his head turned by links to River Plate. The 29-year-old is reportedly eager to return to Argentina and is pushing for Austin to sanction a move away. The club, however, will not be rushed and GiveMeSport reports that they have already initiated disciplinary measures against the player.

A similar situation is unfolding with Timbers star Evander, who enjoyed a stand-out 2024 season with 15 goals and 19 assists in 28 MLS games. The Brazilian has grown frustrated with his contractual situation in Portland took aim at the front office with a post on social media: “Portland fans do not deserve the people who have power over this club. People who say they are men but do not keep their word. People who are only there when the team wins.”

Evander is said to be unhappy with his $2.36 million annual salary and Portland and looks unlikely to receive a significant increase on that for 2025. He is pushing for a move away and may be aided by a recent rule change which allows MLS teams to buy players from elsewhere in the league in a ‘Cash for Player Trade’ without using up GAM and other assets to prise Evander away. If an ambitious and moneyed MLS team is looking to add real creativity to their offensive options, Evander could soon be presented with multiple routes away from Portland.

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