Fanendo Adi knew things were going to be different. Giovanni Savarese was the new coach of the Portland Timbers, and Adi could already see some of the changes taking shape. Adi was no longer the target player up top. Eventually, he was pushed to the bench by the emergence of newcomer Samuel Armenteros. After 53 goals over four seasons in Portland, Adi requested a trade, and FC Cincinnati pounced.



The move sent $850,000 of FC Cincinnati allocation money to Portland, but what they got in return was a nimble-footed forward ready to get back to his Portland form in MLS after a disappointing half season with Cincinnati in the USL.



“I built a legacy (in Portland), and it was beautiful but some beautiful things come to an end,” Adi said. “I was ready for this next chapter. Last year was a good learning experience for me. I’m very happy. I am settled in, and I’m ready to do what they brought me here to do, to score goals and help lead this team...