Brazilian playmaker Evander strengthened his case as one of Major League Soccer’s most influential players, scoring once and setting up Kévin Denkey in FC Cincinnati’s 2–1 victory over the Chicago Fire on 5 July. The performance came a week after his two-goal outing against Orlando City and lifted Cincinnati to the top of the Supporters’ Shield standings. Evander, acquired from the Portland Timbers in February for a league-record cash deal estimated at $12 million, now has 12 goals and eight assists in his first season with Cincinnati. The 27-year-old has been named to the MLS All-Star Game and is the first player in club history to earn three consecutive Team of the Matchday selections. Cincinnati next host state rival Columbus Crew on 12 July in the ‘Hell Is Real’ derby at TQL Stadium, a fixture with potential implications for the league-wide points race. Columbus sit close behind in the Eastern Conference, while Inter Miami is also closing in with three matches in hand, adding further pressure to Saturday’s showdown.