With one game left, the Timbers — and Evander's MVP case — could use a spark

Portland's once-potent offense has gone cold at the worst time.

PORTLAND — Evander has always had the answer.

There’s no player on the Timbers better at anticipation. He sees passing lanes before they open up and seemingly has the time to process the physics of a ball’s flight path while lining up for a free kick.

The Portland Timbers are back in the playoffs, and on the pitch, there’s no bigger reason why than the Brazilian midfielder.

But after Portland’s scoreless draw on Sunday to Dallas, Evander came into his postgame press conference in an agitated mood. He had taken his time in the locker room, changing out of his uniform and putting on black pants, a black shirt and a black coat. He came to the podium and was asked by a team official for his general thoughts on the game, one that saw the Timbers shut out at home for the second match in a row.

This was a team that hung everything on its offense for the first seven months of the season. And now, with seeding and home-field advantage on the line, the Timbers are suddenly struggling to score.

Evander looked down.

“I don’t even know what to say,” he said. “We created a lot of chances the last two games. We had opportunities to score goals and we just didn’t.”