Evander sets record in MLS All-Star Skills Challenge

Evander finding his spot has become a familiar sight for MLS fans.

The FC Cincinnati No. 10 has dazzled crowds with his shooting abilities, often picking out the top corner of the net.

Evander puts those skills on display by breaking the shooting challenge record to claim a point for the MLS All-Stars during the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge on July 22. He scored 72 points, seven more than the previous best of 65, set by midfielder Héctor Herrera in 2022.

It was one of three events Evander competed in as the MLS All-Star side beat the Liga MX All-Star team, 4-2. The Brazilian clinched two of three competitions he participated in.

The MLS All-Star − and special guests − squad of Diego Luna, Lindsey Heaps and Evander trailed by 46 points as the Brazilian stepped up to the penalty spot.

But Evander thrived doing what he does best, even striking the moving target to secure a comfortable, 132-106 victory. He cheekily attempted a rabona as the clock neared expiration, showcasing his playful confidence.

“Just playing (and) just enjoy(ing) the moment,” said Evander on the Apple TV broadcast. “I was kind of focused on the targets, and I did it.”

The shooting challenge was the first of five competitions during the Skills Challenge.

YouTuber and streamer IShowSpeed participated independently in the competition, logging 25 points, tying Luna’s count and beating Deportiva Toluca F.C. defender Luan García’s score of 15. 

Heaps, a United States midfielder, scored 35 points, while Nicki Hernández, a Mexico defender, logged 27. 

C.F. Monterrey midfielder, Sergio Canales, put pressure on Evander, preceding the Brazilian with 64 points. But the FC Cincinnati No. 10 rose to the challenge.

“I was pissed I didn’t hit the moving target, but Evander did a great job doing that,” said Heaps on the broadcast. 

In the passing challenge, Evander clinched an eventual 2-1 victory for MLS by defeating Atlético de San Luis midfielder Rodrigo Dourado in under 30 seconds. He followed former U.S. forward Clint Dempsey, who beat retired Mexico forward Oribe Peralta.

In the touch challenge, San Diego FC midfielder Anders Dreyer and Evander joined forces and logged 29 points. But the Liga MX squad comfortably won the point, 199-58.

"It has been fun, especially with the win tonight," said Evander on the broadcast.

Evander will also compete in the MLS All-Star game versus the Liga MX All-Stars on July 23. Defender and teammate Miles Robinson will join him as the other Orange and Blue representative in the competition. 

“When more people from Cincinnati are here, the better it is,” said Evander earlier this week in a video provided by FC Cincinnati. “(Miles Robinson is an) experienced player (who has) played for the national team. (He is a) big guy in the U.S.”

Evander has scored 15 goals and logged eight assists in 22 MLS matches this season, putting himself in the MVP conversation along with Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi and San Diego FC’s Anders Dreyer. 

The Brazilian’s ability to display unexpected moments of quality has added to his appeal. He leads MLS in goals from outside the box this year with eight and free kick goals with three, according to Sportec Solutions via FC Cincinnati. 

Evander’s production has been a significant reason why FC Cincinnati entered the All-Star week first in the Supporters’ Shield race with 48 points.  

“Pretty happy to be here among all the best players in the league,” said Evander in a video from FC Cincinnati. “It means that the job has been doing well, and also being here to represent the club is nice.”