How Lucho Acosta's stunning addition to FC Dallas affects three MLS teams

FC Cincinnati | Loses Acosta but adds Evander

Acosta was a phenomenal asset for Cincy, but the club is apparently glad he's gone. For all his strength on the field, Acosta was known as a troublemaker off it. FC Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan put it best, telling The Athletic that Acosta is "a pain." 

Acosta burned a lot of bridges in Cincy on his way to Dallas, insulting the club's general manager and accusing him of mistreating the team's players.

Following the Acosta deal, Cincinnati quickly announced a replacement, Brazilian attacker Evander, who lit up the Western Conference in 2024 with the Portland Timbers. 

Acosta was effective for Cincinnati, but at just 5-foot-3, he was easy to outmuscle on the ball. Evander, who is 5-foot-10, delivers much of Acosta's benefits without that glaring drawback. Last season, he had 19 assists and 15 goals to Acosta's 14 goals. He'll fit well in Cincinnati.

Portland Timbers | Lose Evander but may be nearing deal for David da Costa

Evander and Acosta are similar players on — and off — the field. Evander burned as many bridges in Portland as Acosta did in Cincinnati, as ESPN's Jeff Carlisle noted. 

Instead of looking within MLS to replace Evander, Portland — which finished ninth in the Western Conference last season with 47 points — has set its sights further afield. Per GiveMeSport, it's in talks with Portuguese attacker David da Costa of Ligue 1's Lens. Da Costa has UEFA Champions League experience and could be a fascinating addition to Portland's front line.

Last season, the team relied heavily on Evander's individual magic. Da Costa isn't quite the playmaker that Evander is, but he's a much better passer and receiver of the ball.

If da Costa signs with Portland, the team will hope he can elevate everyone's goalscoring numbers by linking them better in the final third. His arrival chould change Portland's in-game tactics for the better.