(Photo credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images)

FC Cincinnati's Evander returns to face his former club amid another MVP-caliber season in Saturday night's clash at the Portland Timbers.

The Brazilian star has a career-high-tying 15 goals and eight assists so far in his first season for Cincinnati (15-7-4, 49 points), which acquired him from Portland (10-8-7, 37 points) for a cash trade fee of $12 million in February.

'I'm sure he's excited to go back,' said Cincinnati manager Pat Noonan. 'I know despite the exit and us being fortunate enough to add him to our group, he's excited to go back, and I'm sure to be in front of those fans and play in front of those old teammates.'

Evander had 15 goals and 19 assists in 2024, his second year in Portland. But unlike during his two seasons with the Timbers, Cincy in 2025 has spent most of the season near the top of the MLS Supporters' Shield and Eastern Conference.

FC Cincinnati begin the weekend in second in the East and third in the Shield standings, two points behind Philadelphia and trailing San Diego on goal difference.

Evander hasn't contributed to a goal in his last three MLS appearances, but he had two goals and two assists in Cincy's three Leagues Cup matches.

Meanwhile, Portland could debut two of its own new signings this week if work visas come through in time.

The Timbers completed a permanent transfer for striker Kristoffer Velde from Olympiacos and secured midfielder Felipe Carballo on loan from Gremio.

Both players will occupy Designated Player spots for Portland, which begins the weekend sixth in the West. After losing the team's leading scorer last year, Jonathan Rodriguez, to a season-ending knee injury and dealing away Evander, the hope is Velde can contribute goals immediately.

'We've got eight games left,' said Timbers manager Phil Neville. 'There's no adaptation period. It's get out there and play. Get out there and perform. Get out there and win us games. There are obviously things that are going to be different for him and for us with this player. But we haven't got time to wait around.'

--Field Level Media