Seattle Sounders dealt Héber injury blow
Seattle Sounders FC have enjoyed a rip-roaring start to the 2023 MLS season, but now must continue without a key attacking piece.
2022 (NYCFC): In his first full season back from injury, Héber started 14 of 40 appearances across all competitions, scoring 11 goals. He finished tied for second on NYCFC with eight MLS regular-season goals, including a brace in a 4-4 draw at FC Cincinnati (June 29). The Brazilian added a pair of postseason goals against Inter Miami CF (October 17) and CF Montréal (October 23). He also scored in a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match against Rochester New York FC (May 12). Héber made five appearances in NYCFC’s semifinal run in the Concacaf Champions League.
2021 (NYCFC): After missing most of the season recovering from an injury suffered the previous season, Héber made his return as a substitute in a 3-3 draw vs. FC Dallas (September 14). He went on to make seven appearances in the regular season, in addition to starting the club’s 2-1 win over Philadelphia (December 5) in the Eastern Conference Final, as NYCFC went on to win its first MLS Cup.
2020 (NYCFC): The Brazilian had a challenging campaign that was disrupted by a ruptured cruciate ligament injury he suffered in September. He registered one goal and two assists in 12 MLS regular-season games, with his lone strike coming in a 2-0 road win over the New England Revolution (September 2). Héber made two Concacaf Champions League appearances, including a hat trick in a 5-3 win in the first leg of the Round of 16 against San Carlos (February 20).
2019 (NYCFC): In his first MLS season, Héber led NYCFC with 15 goals in 22 regular-season appearances, adding four assists. He recorded a pair of multi-goal games, both coming against FC Cincinnati (June 7 and August 8). Héber finished runner-up to New England’s Carles Gil in the voting for MLS Newcomer of the Year.
2018-2019 (NK Rijeka): Before moving on a permanent transfer to NYCFC, Héber scored nine goals in 15 league matches in his second and final season with NK Rijeka. He added one goal in two Croatian Cup appearances.
2017-2018 (NK Rijeka): The Brazilian joined Croatian side NK Rijeka and scored 17 goals in 33 appearances across all competitions in his first season with the club. He finished second in HNL play (the Croatian topflight) with 16 goals in 23 appearances, as Rijeka finished runner-up with 70 points (22-10-4). He made six appearances in UEFA Champions League qualifying action, scoring in a 2-1 loss to Olympiacos. He also appeared in three UEFA Europa League matches. He was awarded the SN Yellow Shirt for the 2017-2018 campaign, awarded to the best HNL player by the Croatian sports daily Sportske novosti.
2016-2017 (NK Slaven Belupo): Héber spent one season with Croatian topflight club NK Slaven Belupo, scoring 10 goals in 30 league appearances. He also started two Croatian Cup matches.
2015-2016 (FC Alashkert): Héber spent one prolific season with Armenian Premier League side FC Alashkert, scoring a league-leading 16 goals as Alashkert captured its first title with 55 points (16-5-7). He appeared in four UEFA Europa League matches (one start), scoring in a 2-1 win over FC Kairat (July 15). Héber added three goals in four Armenian Cup appearances.
2014 (Avaí FC): Héber appeared in 24 games across all competitions while on loan with Brazilian Serie B side Avaí FC, scoring four goals in Campeonato Catarinense action.
2013 (CRAC): While on loan with Brazilian side CRAC, Héber scored seven goals in 13 Serie C appearances. He also started and played 90 minutes in the club’s one Copa de Brasil match against Santos FC.
2010-2013 (Figueirense FC): Héber began his professional career with Brazilian side Figueirense FC, scoring 17 goals across all competitions from 2010-2013. He scored three goals in eight Serie B appearances as the club finished second and gained promotion to the topflight. Over the course of the next two-plus seasons, Héber scored three goals in 20 Serie A appearances, in addition to 11 goals in Campeonato Catarinense in 33 appearances.