It’s in the title, folks. Every week during the MLS season, Backheeled will dive into the biggest Winners and Losers from around the league. This week, we’re sinking our teeth into Thomas Muller’s debut for the Vancouver Whitecaps, Evander’s return to Providence Park, Atlanta United’s blooper reel, and more.
Winner: Evander
I’m truly grateful that people don’t pay their hard-earned money to show up and boo me at my place of work. Evander, though, didn’t have that same luxury upon his return to Providence Park on Saturday night.
Making his first appearance back in Portland since beefing his way out of town and becoming the subject of the most expensive cash trade deal in that mechanism’s young history, the now-FC Cincinnati playmaker didn’t even have to touch the ball to draw the ire of the Timbers’ crowd. Chants of “f— Evander” rained down from the stands before the opening whistle blew, and the No. 10 was surely reminded of the fact that he left a chunk of the Portland fanbase feeling betrayed by the manner of his exit when he was booed on every single touch. The boos intensified when he moved the ball upfield or picked out an incisive pass. They turned into cheers when his touch went awry.
