Fc Cincinnati: Evander channels Ronaldinho, vows 'I can play like this' as club adds Chirila, Dowd and Lajhar ahead of Champions Cup
fc cincinnati entered the week balancing a high-profile personal narrative and a practical roster update: playmaker Evander is drawing creative fuel from Ronaldinho while insisting he has adapted to the modern game's physical demands, even as the club added defensive reinforcements on short-term deals ahead of a Champions Cup second-leg tie.
Evander on style, adaptation and MVP aspirations
Evander framed his approach as a blend of old-school No. 10 instincts and necessary adjustments for a more intense, physical landscape. He described himself as a classic playmaker who values moments of calm and creative expression on the ball, and said that watching Ronaldinho’s highlights shaped the flair in his play. At the same time, he acknowledged the need to adapt, stating, "I can play like this and also equalize in the game, " and underlining that the game's increased intensity has required tweaks to his style.
The player reflected on an early-career long-range goal at Vasco de Gama to illustrate his willingness to attempt the spectacular, and noted a brief hamstring scare in the season’s opening week that led to a substitution. That injury was described as not career-threatening, and he is expected to recover and continue his push toward team goals and individual ambitions.
Fc Cincinnati bolsters defensive front with short-term signings
On February 25, 2026, the club added three players from its second team and recent draft class to the first-team roster on short-term agreements: defenders Andrei Chirila and Ayoub Lajhar, plus goalkeeper Bryan Dowd. The emergency additions are aimed at reinforcing the squad ahead of a Champions Cup Round One second-leg match against O&M.
- Andrei Chirila: Started and completed 90 minutes at center back in the first leg of the Champions Cup tie at O& M, contributing to a 4-0 clean-sheet victory. His appearance marked the ninth occasion an academy graduate has featured for the first team in official competition.
- Bryan Dowd: Was rostered for the first leg and is once again available for selection under the short-term agreement.
- Ayoub Lajhar: A second-round pick in the MLS SuperDraft 2026, Lajhar received his first first-team call-up a short-term agreement.
Context and near-term implications for the club
The dual storyline—Evander’s personal evolution and the roster moves—highlights a club managing both identity and immediate competitive needs. Evander’s commitment to blending creativity with greater physical robustness lines up with the club’s on-field ambitions; the additions of Chirila, Dowd and Lajhar add immediate depth for a squad navigating a continental knockout fixture.
Chirila’s full 90-minute showing in the first leg and the 4-0 result provide a concrete reason for confidence in the defensive group, while Dowd’s availability restores an option at goalkeeper for the upcoming match. Lajhar’s promotion from the second team and his SuperDraft pedigree indicate a willingness to lean on developmental pathways when short-term roster adjustments are required.
Taken together, the player-level narrative and the tactical signings shape a clear, short-term picture: Evander is preparing to lead creatively within a team that has shored up its defensive options for a key continental fixture. For supporters and observers, the next match will be an early test of how those elements cohere on the pitch.
Recent updates indicate these developments are current; details may evolve as the club finalizes matchday selections for the Champions Cup second leg.
